Dear TAMS Supporters,
Soon I will be entering the Upper School and my days at TAMS will be behind me. For three years, I have walked the halls at TAMS and felt at
home. In September, after this extended time away from school, I will rejoin my small group of classmates as freshman in the Upper School at Thornton Academy to begin our journey together as high schoolers. While many other kids will be joining us as the “TA Class of 2024,” my fellow “TAMS’sters” and I will always share a special bond. I feel like I have gained a support system for life.
Some people may say that being in a bigger school is better, but TAMS has shown me that that is not always the case. TAMS is small enough to make every student feel special (every teacher says “good morning,” “hello,” and “how are you?”) but strong enough to give each student so many awesome opportunities. There are so many clubs to get involved with and the teachers encourage you to try new things. With their support, and the opportunities that are provided through the TAMS Annual Fund, I was able to grow at TAMS as a student, a musician, and an athlete.
My favorite activity has been participating in the musical, which I have done for all three years with Mr. Stebbins. Mr. Stebbins is amazing. He is the music teacher, the band teacher (I play the violin), and the performing arts teacher.
He takes the time to help every student be their best and makes class a lot of fun. Having a strong and supportive teacher like Mr. Stebbins and Mrs. Cram (the musical’s Co-Director) is not unique at TAMS—so many teachers have supported me along the way, including the Principal, Mrs. Robert. I always felt I could talk to all my teachers at any time. They all celebrated my successes and helped me when I struggled.
As I prepare to leave TAMS behind, I know I can come back any time and be remembered and welcomed. In a different school, I am not sure I would have had the same one-on-one support from teachers, chances to learn through lots of clubs and activities, and deep friendships with my classmates. Even during these challenging times using remote learning, I have felt incredibly supported. Gifts to the TAMS Annual Fund help make all these things possible—and so much more—like small class sizes, access to technology, and help for kids in need. Together, your support at home, and gifts made to the Annual Fund, have given us the best opportunity to succeed and helped create a place where I feel safe to be myself. On behalf of all my fellow TAMS’sters—we thank you.
Sincerely,

Hannah Kurkul '24