A Beloved Tradition: The Winslow Trustee Dinner

Every fall, Shore hosts the Winslow Trustee Dinner, a special evening of celebration and sharing for current and former trustees. This annual event celebrates the impact of the leadership, service, and contributions of Shore's Board of Trustees over generations, and recognizes the devoted individuals who have helped guide and shape Shore’s progress. Former trustees enjoy reconnecting with one another and having the opportunity to meet current trustees, as well as learn about current school initiatives.

 

Board of Trustees President Amory Logan and Head of School Amber Bock each shared their appreciation for the enduring strength of Shore’s trustee community, and explained the effect of their commitment and generosity. Bock shared, “This annual event of coming together with the past leaders of Shore has been transformative to the experiences taking place on this campus! The momentum and change that Shore trustees have manifested over the past two years has anchored Shore as the school of choice on the North Shore.”

 

To bring to life the transformative experiences and momentum, a young alum, four current students, and a Lower School teacher shared their personal stories. Ava B., a freshman at Pingree, spoke about the power of Shore trips and service learning. Reflecting on her eighth grade trip to New Orleans, Baker shared, “as we picked up trash and rooted an overgrown garden in the Lower Ninth Ward, we weren't just doing service; we were also learning about Hurricane Katrina, the causes of the flooding, and how the community rebuilt. Balancing that meaningful work with exploring Louisiana’s culture by visiting the Mississippi River, walking through the French Quarter, and stopping by Café Du Monde where we got beignets made it one of the most impactful trips of my life.”

 

Grade 8 student Rose M. talked about the power of the Shore community and how she feels valued. She recounted many examples, from participating in the student ambassadors program, to advisory meetings, to House gatherings, to trips, to being part of a team of students who helped to stand three large tree trunks into the ground in the new Woodland Classroom. “At Shore I am both my own person, and part of something so much bigger than myself. This is why Shore means so much to me.”

 

When it comes to the power of Shore athletics, Grade 7 student John R. reflected on how special it is to play on a school team, where “it’s about representing my school by supporting my teammates, participating in a respectful and understanding team environment, and having fun without always worrying about messing up or being perfect.” 

 

Grade 7 student Evy M. spoke about the power of service learning at Shore, and the many opportunities she has had to work on initiatives focused on giving, including leading two donation drives in fifth and sixth grade. “I think this is an important part of the Shore experience because it teaches us leadership, responsibility, and the importance of helping others.” Evy also spoke about the power of helping in small ways, “like writing a note to your little buddy or teammate and telling them how great they are. Even small acts of kindness make someone’s day and make a difference.”

Third grader Jack S. climbed up a stepstool at the podium to share his personal experience with the power of student support. “At Shore, we have a lot of people to help you with reading and math. They also have people who help you with managing your emotions.” Jack listed several people he is grateful for, saying, “when people believe in you, and you know that they have your back, it makes it easier for you to believe in yourself. This is what the teachers and staff at Shore do for me – and it is what allows me to be my best self and succeed at Shore.”

Finally, Pre-K 2 Teacher Beth White shared her observations on the power of outdoor learning. She recounted a recent experience at the new water table, where students were immersed in the magic of the pretend play while building their fine motor skills and practicing teamwork. White shared how thrilling it is to observe how effectively the water table, the new Woodland Wagon, and the Woodland Classroom inspire student creativity and ingenuity as they explore, build, invent, and pretend. 

All of the stories shared one common thread: the immense power of trustee leadership and generosity at Shore makes possible the kind of environment where children thrive. And this legacy endures today.

In discussing upcoming initiatives in Shore’s new Strategic Plan, Anchored in Excellence, Bock explained that she sees her role as “the protector of the tradition and identity that has defined the Shore experience for 90 years,” and as someone who is deeply inspired by the strategic vision that former and current trustees continue to advance through their commitment. “We are energized and leaning into Shore’s future together!”