The Jefferson Community School raised more than $55,000 through its annual gala April 20, enough to fund partial scholarships for as many as a dozen students next year.

The gala at the Northwest Maritime Center drew more than 60 guests, including alumni from 2005-18, past and current board Presidents from 2005-19, JCS families and community supporters.

Craig Frick, head of the school, noted this was the first year the gala had made a priority of reuniting past alumni with current students and parents.

He added that more than 30 alumni contacted the school and shared their stories and profiles for the event, while seven alumni were in attendance.

“The event was a testament to the strength of the JCS community and its continued importance to Port Townsend and the surrounding area, receiving support from Chimacum, Sequim and even donations from as far away as Chicago,” Frick said.

Frick pointed out the purpose of the gala was to raise funds to support underserved families in the region, making a JCS education more accessible to more families.

“The call to our supporters was to give students a voice, and let them be heard,” Frick said. “The outpouring of support was humbling.”

Frick explained the $55,000-plus that’s raised would go toward two partial academic scholarships and 10 partial financial aid scholarships for students for the next school year.

“The amount of aid will vary depending on how many students apply,” Frick said. “Our goal as a result of this event is to make JCS an equitable option for more families, and we welcome everyone who is interested to apply.”

“The success of the event went beyond the board’s budgetary expectations, and raised the bar for community support and involvement,” Board President Rita Hemsley said.

Stan Cummings, past vice president of the board, agreed, describing this year’s gala as “absolutely fantastic” and “firing on all cylinders,” with praise for “captivating” auctioneer” Corrine Gregory-Sharpe and the students who addressed the evening’s attendees.

“The students were poised, gracious and articulate in their presentations,” Cummings said. “They certainly demonstrated to all of us the value of a JCS education.”

Frick credited much of the success of the gala to the “powerful program” delivered by JCS, in the areas of STEM classes, individualized and project-based learning, and instructional support that focuses on the success of every student.

JCS has added five new students this semester, and Frick anticipates a total of 25-30 students next school year.

“Any student who is looking for a chance to push their boundaries, who needs personalized targeted support, and who is interested in science, technology, engineering and math?” Frick said. “They should consider JCS for their education. Because of the generous support of our community, a JCS education is now more accessible than ever before.”