Photo: Joe Sinott
On Saturday, October 18, more than 400 members of the GFA community gathered on the Front Lawn for the Centennial Gala, marking the official launch of the Lives of Purpose: The Centennial Campaign for GFA.
Board Chair Ward Horton P ’24, ’28 opened the evening, followed by Gala Co-Chairs Roopali Hall P ’31, ’33 and Melanie Smith P ’22, ’24, ’29. Across their remarks, a resounding theme emerged: gratitude—for GFA as a place where students are truly known and loved, and for the dedication of faculty and staff, the “torchbearers of 100 years of excellence.”
The program included short films highlighting the spaces and faculty who make GFA’s mission possible each day. Guests then joined a lively paddle raise led by Head of School Bob Whelan P ’24 raising $2.165 million in support of the Centennial Fund for Faculty Excellence.
After dinner, the celebration continued with conversation, dancing, and even a singalong. The Centennial Gala not only honored GFA’s first hundred years but also inaugurated an exciting chapter ahead, guided by the same spirit of collaboration, dedication, and community that has defined the school for a century. Our deepest thanks to all in attendance, and to those who celebrated from afar!