As a continuation of our efforts to share why various donors give to the Cardinal Annual Fund, we are recognizing a parent in this week’s Donor Spotlight. Susannah Cox, parent of two James River middle school students and an active Parents’ Association volunteer, discussed why she supports the Cardinal Annual Fund.
How long have you been part of the James River community?
I’ve been part of the James River community for six years now! It has been wonderful.
I’ve been part of the James River community for six years now! It has been wonderful.
What do you like most about James River?
I love that the school really seems like a family. There is such a strong connection between the faculty and staff with not just the students, but also with the parents. The school fosters a deep connection between even the oldest and the youngest students. You can tell that the middle school students enjoy seeing the lower school students through the Cardinal Buddy program and all school programs. There is such camaraderie!
How did you choose to support the Cardinal Annual Fund this year?
One of the things I value is being able to be a hands-on volunteer at the school. With this year being different, I really wanted to do something that would allow me to give back to the school even though I cannot physically be present during the school day.
I love that the school really seems like a family. There is such a strong connection between the faculty and staff with not just the students, but also with the parents. The school fosters a deep connection between even the oldest and the youngest students. You can tell that the middle school students enjoy seeing the lower school students through the Cardinal Buddy program and all school programs. There is such camaraderie!
How did you choose to support the Cardinal Annual Fund this year?
One of the things I value is being able to be a hands-on volunteer at the school. With this year being different, I really wanted to do something that would allow me to give back to the school even though I cannot physically be present during the school day.
I saw a need for the faculty and staff to have masks for daily use. During the pandemic, I have been making masks for others, and thought that I would make fun masks for the entire faculty and staff. A few years ago, I made a cardinal-printed quilt for retiring head of school, Mary Riser. I had a bit of that fabric remaining. The masks are all made of that leftover fabric. The fabric on the back was leftover from a quilt that I worked on for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Virginia.
Why do you encourage others to support James River through the Cardinal Annual Fund?
Through my time volunteering at the school, I have been able to see firsthand just how important the money raised through the Cardinal Annual Fund is for the school. The funds immediately go to the school, allowing teachers to try new and invigorating approaches and to fund the enrichment and education of the children.
Through my time volunteering at the school, I have been able to see firsthand just how important the money raised through the Cardinal Annual Fund is for the school. The funds immediately go to the school, allowing teachers to try new and invigorating approaches and to fund the enrichment and education of the children.