Written by Rebecca Holmes
In October, the School received a gift of approximately $700,000 from the estate of Sylvia Colt de Almeida ‘45. A long-standing supporter, Sylvia attended Upper School from 1941-45 and advised Friends of her intentions to make a bequest to the endowment many years ago. “Friends taught me lessons that have lasted me a lifetime. I am grateful for that.” Sylvia commented at the time. “It was a terrific experience for me and it will be a terrific experience for a ton of future students.”
As a student, Sylvia was interested in racial justice and was a member of the Interracial Club led by the late Dr. Earl Hunter, beloved teacher and administrator. She vividly recalled visiting Harlem to discuss and promote desegregation, and made the gift in his honor. Sylvia once observed, “Friends is a very non-elitist place that takes such an active role in addressing social problems.”
Sylvia continued her education at Cornell University and went on to pursue careers in teaching and hotel management. In her later years, she continued her love of travel and tutored a student with an intellectual disability through a child advocacy program in Los Gatos, Calif. Sylvia saw this as an important way of giving back, a principle that guided her life and one that she credits Friends for instilling in her. Visit the School’s website to learn more about the endowment and information on how to make a bequest.
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