Funds raised at the Gala help us address the critical need for more high-quality teachers in Arizona and provide professional development programs for over 1,000 teachers throughout the Valley.
Great Hearts Academies recently held its third annual fundraising Gala supporting teacher training and development across its network of 23 academies in Arizona. The Midsummer Night’s Dream themed Gala welcomed 600 attendees and 35 sponsors from the community to raise over $400,000 to support Great Hearts teachers.
Mr. Erik Twist, President of Great Hearts Arizona and Veritas Prep parent, brought his charisma and passion as this year’s Emcee. Following cocktail hour, the dinner program began with a musical performance from Concert Choir and Chamber singers from Scottsdale Preparatory Academy.
Next up was Morgan James, a 6th grader from Archway Trivium West, and winner of the 2018 Great Hearts Bard Competition. Morgan awed the crowd when he recited a poetic passage from Shakespeare’s Hamlet. Guests then enjoyed a lighthearted Jimmy Kimmel video that featured Archway Lincoln student Logan James outsmarting most of Hollywood Boulevard. To wrap up the full Great Hearts curriculum experience, Glendale Prep students performed a scene from A Midsummer Night’s Dream.
Great Hearts alumni Joel Malkin was this year’s keynote speaker. After graduating from Veritas Prep in 2009, he went on to earn two degrees at Dartmouth College, and was then commissioned in June 2013 as a second lieutenant un the US Marine Crops before being promoted to Captain in 2017. Joel spoke at length about the benefit of his liberal arts education and his love for his teachers who got him to where he is today. Watch Captain Joel Malkin’s full address here.
The Great Hearts Gala would not be possible without our Gala Committee Chairs and our sponsors who gave so generously, including presenting sponsor DBP. Thank you to everyone who supported and attended the 2018 Gala to support our teachers.