A Night at the Mansion: Supporting Rivermont’s Technology Upgrades
Rivermont’s annual gala, the school’s signature event, supports the school’s Annual Fund. The event brings together the Rivermont community and supporters from across the Quad Cities and beyond to celebrate and promote the school’s mission.
This year, A Night at the Mansion was held on October 25 at the historic Bettendorf Mansion, the centerpiece of the Rivermont campus. Guests enjoyed features such as a silent auction, a live auction, gourmet appetizers, and a lively sense of community. A key part of the evening was the Fund-a-Need initiative, which annually supports a specific project; this year, the focus is on Technology Upgrades.
Collin Lawrence kicked off the Fun-a-Need drive with this inspiring and heartfelt message:
“Good evening, everyone, and thank you for coming tonight. It is fitting for us to gather in the Bettendorf mansion, a site that represents our proud history. For 141 years, this school has educated Quad Citizens, and now we also educate students from around the world. The school has changed over time, but the excellence of a Rivermont education has been a constant. Our small class sizes and close relationships enable students to take intellectual leaps, develop character, and cultivate creativity.
There is magic happening this year at Rivermont. I hope some of you have felt it; I know I have. Our students are more involved. I had my largest cross-country team ever this year. There are more students out for rowing than ever. Just today, we sent varsity and JV quiz bowl teams to a competition in Waukee. There are almost 50 students participating in the middle and upper school student councils. Our two new and exciting band instructors are revitalizing our music program. Each day at lunch and after school, students are playing chess, practicing math problems, planning community service, playing basketball or volleyball, tutoring, or being tutored.
Our teachers show up every day with passion and purpose. I was a full-time teacher for years. I know the job is not easy. These teachers – new and returning – they go above and beyond. To the teachers that are here tonight, I want to say I thank you, and I will be there for you; we will be there for you.
Parents and families are engaging with our school community like never before. We have had parent lectures and social hours, dine and donate events, meet the teacher nights, a pool party, a hockey game, the family fun fest, and more. So many parents volunteer their time and talent in support of our school community – gardening, chaperoning, planning this gala, and our upcoming holiday open house and marketplace.
We ARE in this together. Everyone, from the board of trustees to the faculty and staff, to the students and families, are invested in this school and its mission. The state of our school culture is strong. Teacher and student morale is high. Our AP scores are impressive. The faculty are brilliant, caring, and dedicated.
Let’s keep this momentum going. In the 21st century, a small class size still counts for a lot, but it’s not everything. We need to keep up with the technology needs of today and meet the needs of tomorrow. With your support, we will invest in faster and more reliable internet networks, increased network security, and newer computers for classrooms. You’ve already done so much just by sharing with us the privilege of your time; some of you have also donated and bid on items. If you have more you can contribute, I am asking for your support. Tonight, in this building that represents the heart of our campus and its proud tradition, let’s invest in our future. What you do tonight and what we do together moving forward will guarantee Rivermont remains the premier school in the Quad Cities. Thank you and enjoy the evening.”
Thanks to the generosity of our community, we have raised enough funds to start Phase One of our technology upgrades, which will improve the reliability, accessibility, and efficiency of the school’s internet. We’re excited about this progress—and with your continued support, we look forward to completing Phase Two, which will bring new computers to campus, and Phase Three, focused on strengthening network security.