News

By Jeff Foreman ’80

NORTH SHORE HAS GIVEN ME SO MUCH THROUGHOUT MY LIFE THAT I FELT COMPELLED TO INCLUDE THE SCHOOL IN MY ESTATE PLANNING. AS I HAVE TOLD MANY PEOPLE, INCLUDING HEAD OF SCHOOL TOM FLEMMA AND FELLOW MEMBERS OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES, THE VALUE OF A NSCD EDUCATION BECOMES MORE EVIDENT THE OLDER I GET.

The self-confidence and willingness to pursue professional and personal aspirations are qualities NSCD instilled in us long before we were old enough to recognize the intent. Back then, we thought going on field trips, singing in chorus or playing sports was just part of the fun of being a North Shore student. Each of these activities shaped me in ways I couldn’t see at the time. Only now can I fully appreciate the value of such a well-rounded “whole person” approach to the North Shore experience. I use the word “experience" intentionally. The word “education” might limit the focus to North Shore’s excellent academics, but it doesn’t capture the transformative moments that happen outside of the classroom.

We didn’t just “show up” and do school — we all became part of the community, which persists to this day. Serving as a class representative has kept me connected to classmates as well as coordinate and host gatherings, including our 45th reunion this fall. This shared history, in and out of the classroom, is something difficult to describe to anyone who hasn’t had the privilege of being part of North Shore.

During my time as trustee and board chair, I was deeply impressed by current students’ ability to balance rigorous academics with exploring their passions and discovering who they are as people. I’ve also had the chance to give back by speaking with students about how North Shore shaped my life. In a discussion with 11th grade science students, I shared how a term paper on glaucoma written in Mac McCarty’s freshman biology class and a senior-year Interim week observing surgery inspired a career in medicine.

This work has kept me connected to the school as it is today. I believe in supporting the school now, knowing that Annual Giving, the yearly benefit fundraiser and the North Shore Forevermore Campaign provide essential resources for the school to continue to grow and thrive. And I hope that, when the time comes, my Heritage Society gift will help the school continue its fantastic work — sending young people into the world better prepared than many of their peers.

To learn more about planned giving, contact Director of Development Tracie Frederick at tfrederick@nscds.org or 847.881.8809.