With the Class of 2025 graduating, there will be a significant hole in the Benjamin community. But, as they move on to their new paths in life, they have left something for their fellow classmates to enjoy for years to come: their senior gift. This senior gift is Benjamin Tradition, as in years past an awning, LED school sign, and more have been gifted to the Upper School. This year’s senior gift was one that will add to the outdoor experience and usage of the Upper School campus.
“We have turfed the amphitheater by the lake. It used to be grass and now its turf. We are getting new furniture for that area as well and then eventually we will replace the landscaping,” shared Mrs. Samantha Atkinson, Director of Annual and Leadership Giving.
The process of creating, raising funds for, and executing a senior gift is one that requires the help of students, parents, and administration
alike. It takes lots of planning and generosity from the senior parents and students.
Mrs. Atkinson explains the gifting process, “Every class from WOW to twelfth grade has what we call our grade callers and they’re the ones who are reaching out to parents, asking them to give to the annual fund. The senior class is a little different as they work to decide a need and a want for the school. It’s kind of a legacy gift. While the seniors are graduating, it’s a chance for the parents to give back to the school one last time before their seniors graduate. They decide, along with the school, what the gift should be. This year, we raised ap-
proximately $80,000 for the gift.”
The senior gift is a wonderful way for the students to give back and leave something to remember their time at Benjamin.
“I think giving something back to the community that we have been a part of for so many years is very important. The senior gift is a good culmination to our experience at Benjamin,” expressed senior Jonathan Vidal.
The new turf and renovated outdoor area will be a wonderful place for students to spend time in nature during their busy school days.
Speaking for the Class of 2025 at the dedication, Senior Vanessa Zito explained the meaning behind their legacy gift.
“This year, we chose to leave behind more than just a symbol; we wanted to create a lasting space for reflection and community. The installation of artificial grass beneath the trees overlooking the lake is not just a scenic addition to our campus—it is a testament to the memories we’ve built here. It preserves the place where we often pause, breathe, and reflect, just as we do now at the edge of graduation. This spot is our legacy—a gift not just to the school, but to all those who will walk these grounds after us.”
Zito also recognized the many people involved in making the gift a reality.
“We would like to express our gratitude to everyone who made this possible—our dedicated faculty, supportive families, and, most importantly, the Senior Class Gift Committee which consisted of four: Mrs. Camille Noble, Mrs. Kim Odom, Mrs. Anne Slyh, and my Mrs. Amy Zito.
Their hard work, vision, and commitment brought this project to life, transforming an idea into a lasting legacy that everyone on the Upper
School campus will cherish forever.”
Students and faculty have already begun using the space for lunches, fishing, and peaceful relaxation during free time.
