The Maroon & Gray Society annually recognizes alumni in areas such as business, the arts, academics and athletics, outstanding school groups, and retired faculty, staff, and coaches. This year’s celebration coincides with the Education Foundation’s 10th anniversary.

“The Education Foundation board is excited to meet and recognize this year’s accomplished group of honorees who span more than 50 years of State High’s alumni ranks, and also include several remarkable educators and coaches,” said President Duane Bullock. “It is a special year for us as we celebrate 10 years of building partnerships with donors to make an impact on students. The Maroon & Gray Society Celebration is the perfect opportunity for alumni and members of our past and current school community to gather and has become a valued tradition. Our event volunteers and all of us at the Education Foundation look forward to welcoming everyone this year.”

Proceeds from this year’s Maroon & Gray Celebration will benefit students through the Mardi Lowry McDonough ’87 Student Opportunity Fund & Grant Program. Distributed in the fall and the spring every year, grants have funded 150+ proposals submitted by teachers and administrators at every school across the district. In total, nearly $225,000 has been awarded, thanks to the generosity of donors. Grants have funded everything from EMT exam applications to sensory items, from STEM equipment to a classroom care closet, and helped to establish the high school’s Unified bocce team. The number of grant applications has increased significantly, with more than 100 requests totaling over $100,000 in the most recent cycle.

“The board selected the Mardi Lowry McDonough ’87 Student Opportunity Fund this year in response to the significant increase in grant applications submitted by our educators over the past two years,” Bullock said. “Our teachers have so many innovative and worthwhile ideas aimed at giving every student the best possible education experience. Our goal is to partner with donors and sponsors to build up and sustain the strength of this fund to impact more students.”

The Maroon & Gray Celebration will take place on May 2, 2025, at Centre Hills Country Club with a reception beginning at 6 PM. Tickets will be available soon at scasdfoundation.org.

The Maroon & Gray Society inducted its first class in 2017, and the all-volunteer Education Foundation board continues to receive and review nominations annually.