With the dedicated support of our donors, alumni, volunteers, and fellow community members, Foundation programs are bigger and better than ever -- providing  hundreds of students with tools they need to thrive at Stevenson and beyond. Thank you for commitment to this crucial work.

As you’ll see throughout this newsletter, a higher education remains one of the most powerful paths to longterm success, community giving and engagement has reached record levels, and students have access to a broader range of supports than ever before. 

 

As I experienced the first-ever Jalen Brunson ELEVATE event alongside the students and families we serve, I felt your dedication and commitment come to life. Seeing so many crucial supports in one place underscored how access, tools, and the power of community can truly transform the Stevenson experience and shift the trajectory of young people's lives. 

 

Thank you for sharing your concerns about how recent changes to food assistance programs may affect our most vulnerable families. Rest assured, all students in need continue to receive nourishing meals, Closet resources, wellness support, and more -- without interruption. In addition, we've rapidly expanded our grocery distribution program to ensure families have nutritious foods at home.

 

If you've made a gift in support of these efforts, please accept our sincerest thanks. If you'd like to help sustain this time-sensitive work, you can make a tax-deductible donation to the Foundation’s One Family program or contact me to learn more.

 

With best wishes for the coming holiday season, warmly,

 

At the end of August, the Stevenson Foundation welcomed 150+ students and family members to the first-ever Jalen Brunson Patriot Wellness ELEVATE event.

 

This free, family-friendly gathering was designed to connect under-resourced families with dozens of wellness tools and supports available at Stevenson and throughout our community. From preventative health and dental care to nutrition and grocery resources, ELEVATE made it easier for students from low-income households to access the assistance they need to stay healthy and thrive.

 

With an inspiring video message from Jalen Brunson '15 and an engaging presentation by keynote speaker Malcolm Mann, families were reminded of the importance of prioritizing their wellbeing to build a strong foundation for the future. Thanks to the generous partnership of the Second Round Foundation, Patriots left the event equipped with the tools and information necessary to prioritize wellness throughout the year.

Tribune Article Underscores Importance of Higher Education & Challenges Under-Resourced Students Face

 

A recent Chicago Tribune article highlighted that higher education remains one of the most powerful paths to economic mobility -- but only when students have the right support systems in place.

 

While access to college has grown, many low-income students continue to face barriers that make it difficult to earn a degree and build fulfilling careers.

 

Through programs like Stevenson to College (S2C) and One Family, the Foundation helps bridge these gaps -- offering mentorship, guidance, and resources that empower students to persist through challenges and achieve their goals. Read more here.

 

In August, our Stevenson to College (S2C) Scholars gathered with family, friends, mentors, and supporters for our annual S2C Summer Celebration.

 

The event recognized the determination of our scholars and the tireless guidance of volunteer mentors who help them navigate the journey to and through college. A highlight of the evening was the debut of the S2C Summit Scholar designation, honoring scholars who have successfully earned a college degree.

 

Special guest and Summit Scholar Amari Armand ’20 / Bradley University ’24 shared how the program shaped his path and prepared him for a successful career at Grainger. Summit Scholars like Amari remain part of the S2C community for life, and as proud graduates of both high school and college, they serve as an inspiration for current and future scholars.

 

Congratulations to this year’s graduates, and heartfelt thanks to our mentors and donors for their steadfast support. Click here to view photos. 

 

The Foundation’s Jalen Brunson Patriot Wellness Initiative ensures that under-resourced SHS students have full and equitable access to wellness resources that strengthen both mind and body.

 

Last week, nearly 300 students created personalized kits to support their wellness journeys throughout the school year. All resources were free to students and included everything from Nike shoes and athletic apparel to grocery gift cards and protein bars, family-first aid and dental-hygiene kits, and so much more. Each resource is designed to help students stay active and make the most of their years at Stevenson.

 

The Wellness Initiative was launched in 2022 and is fueled by a historic gift from Jalen's Second Round Foundation.

 

When Jeff Chang first became a mentor, he didn’t know exactly what to expect. What he found was a chance to guide first-generation students through the challenges of higher education, and to make a lasting impact on their journey.

Volunteer mentors like Jeff are the backbone of the S2C program, providing both practical guidance and emotional support to help scholars thrive. Thanks to generous, multi-year donations to the Foundation, the program is expanding rapidly and will be supporting more than 100 scholars annually by 2027.

We sat down with Jeff to hear more about his experience and why he encourages others to join this growing team of trusted adult mentors. Read the Q&A here.

 

In August, the Class of 1975 reunited to commemorate 50 years since their graduation from Stevenson. The reunion wasn’t only about looking back -- it was also about building futures.

 

In honor of their lasting connections forged as Patriots, the Class of '75 launched a legacy campaign to establish an endowed fund that will support financially under-resourced students at Stevenson in perpetuity.

 

Their generous gift to the One Family program will extend the class’s impact well beyond their reunion and ensure Patriots can thrive at SHS for years to come. 

 

We sat down with Tom Halford '75, who helped spearhead the fundraising campaign, to learn why it was so important to include the legacy gift as a part of their reunion celebration. Read the Q&A here. 

 

Thank you to the incredible donors, volunteers, artists, and alumni who helped make our 2025 Nashville Unplugged Benefit, sponsored by Wight & Company and Wintrust, an outstanding success! On Friday, September 26, guests enjoyed an unforgettable night of live music and storytelling at the Highland Park Community House.

 

Nearly $97,000 was raised to support crucial Foundation programs like Stevenson to College (S2C) and One Family. Sincerest thanks to all our generous 2025 sponsors -- we appreciate your support of our students and SHS community!

 

Click here to view photos.

Homecoming & Reunion Weekend Draws Hundreds Back to SHS

 

Nearly a thousand SHS graduates returned to Stevenson for Homecoming and Reunion Weekend -- the largest in-person alumni gathering in years. The campus buzzed with excitement as graduates gathered for the Homecoming football game, reconnected with classmates, and cheered the Patriots onto victory.

On Saturday, five reunion classes participated in school tours and milestone celebrations at Saranello’s in Wheeling. Planned for the first time by the Alumni Association, the weekend offered a refreshed reunion experience that brought generations of graduates together.