I am profoundly grateful to the many donors and volunteers who propelled our School forward in a historic fiscal year through very generous gifts of time, talent, and financial resources. We are blessed that the 2023-2024 school year was successful in so many ways through the meaningful contributions of so many. Thanks to the ongoing commitment, partnership, and strength of community that we enjoy, Marksmen and their teachers thrived on every corner of the campus. This year marked another record year for the St. Mark’s Fund alongside many extraordinary gifts in support of the soon-to-be-completed Zierk Athletic Center and Hill Tennis Center, alongside a series of pace-setting gifts to strengthen the School’s long-term endowment. Your unwavering commitment to the School’s mission inspires all of us who care for and guide the boys each day. 
 
It is a privilege to work alongside such a remarkable group of professional colleagues on our faculty and staff, devoted Trustees, and dedicated parents and alumni. Jeff Hillier ’76 completed his second and final year as Board President, having provided invaluable leadership and service that empowered our entire school community during a pivotal period in St. Mark’s history. Jeff has been a devoted partner for more than two decades and played a key role in guiding meaningful progress on the important aspirations in Goals for St. Mark’s IV. This summer, he passed the baton to our next President, Fraser Marcus ’72, who has also been a devoted Trustee for well over a decade. It is also important to acknowledge our shared gratitude to our 2023-2024 Parents’ Association President Cindy Hanson and Alumni Association President Jamie Rogers ’85 for their continued leadership and care for our teachers, our boys, and our whole community.
 
It was gratifying to see our boys continue to excel and contribute in so many important ways both on and off campus. The Class of 2024 set an excellent example for boys across all three divisions of the School, constantly seeking to make a difference in the lives of others. As the Class of 2023 modeled before them, seniors set a positive tone that reverberated across campus from beginning to end. It was only fitting that the Class of 2024, among other things, established an endowed scholarship fund to further expand student access and affordability to benefit future generations of Marksmen. As we marked important milestones and celebrations throughout the course of the year, there were countless reminders that what our boys achieve pales in comparison to their character and integrity. 

Lower School boys continued to focus on the foundational elements of St. Mark’s mission, learning the value of empathy, kindness, and respect. Middle and Upper School Marksmen had more than their fair share of opportunities to assume increased responsibility for the well-being of our community. And while student achievement was certainly exemplary once again this year, on a regional and national level, the most important lessons that our boys learned were that our core values have never been more important: demonstrating courage and honor, facing adversity head-on, delaying gratification, exhibiting kindness toward others, and modeling grace and humility in both good and difficult times. These key tenets make up the foundation of a St. Mark’s education.
 
Like the young men depicted in the Path to Manhood statue, we look out over the horizon toward the important opportunities that lie ahead. I have the utmost faith in your continued partnership and trust that, together, we will realize these possibilities. 
 
On behalf of all my colleagues, thank you for your ongoing dedication, commitment, and support. Please know that your generosity of spirit and resources makes a difference in the lives of each and every Marksman.