Burke, Virginia
- Fred & Barbara Kalema-Musoke
How did you and David ’10 decide he would attend EHS?
Three family friends whose sons had graduated from EHS
highly praised the School for its quality education, dedicated and caring
teachers, college placement results, Honor Code, and facilities. Following our
visit and presentations by the admissions staff, students, and parents, David
decided he wanted to attend EHS, which coincided with our wishes. We supported
his decision wholeheartedly. Episcopal’s closeness to our home also helped to
calm any parents’ anxieties of sending a 13-year-old kid to a boarding school.
Tell us about your most recent visit to Episcopal.
The graduation weekend ( June 4-5), which was one of our
highlights of David’s four years at EHS. As parents, we felt so proud of David
and greatly appreciated how much he had matured. More importantly, we were
proud of what he had been able to achieve, the recognition and awards by his
peers and the faculty, the respect and honor he showed staff and fellow
students. It was also touching to watch as his friends, freshmen he had lived
with in the dorm, made their way through the crowd to come and give him big
hugs and congratulate him on his achievements. It was a bittersweet weekend –
we were so grateful to the entire EHS staff and family that David had grown and
matured so much and achieved more than we ever expected, sorry he was leaving,
though excited he is headed to Amherst College.
What is your favorite EHS memory?
We have many memorable moments that we cherish. The most
significant was when David got injured during an away basketball game and the
wonderful support we got from the entire School starting with the coach, Jim Fitzpatrick
(calling to inform us, visiting the hospital to check on David, and offering to
bring him McDonald’s); Mr. Hershey calling David personally to check on him;
the accommodation provided by the School – changing his dorm and giving him
access to a special elevator to facilitate his movement; and the medical staff
facilitating his rehabilitation, including driving him to the doctor’s for his
follow-up visits. This all blew us away!
Also, the 2010 Virginia State Independent Schools soccer
final game! Wow, what a game! Exciting and memorable that EHS won to repeat as
state champions. David being a major part of the team for two years and
co-captain made us proud of his leadership and confidence in his skills and
abilities. But more important was the celebration by practically the entire EHS
School family.
These memorable stories are telling of Episcopal’s community
support, both in tough times and in celebrating each other’s successes.
How do you think David has grown at EHS?
David has grown into a mature, very independent, respectable
young man who communicates with adults and the young with ease; a leader with
promising potential; an independent thinker, a responsible and caring
individual; and a well-organized and serious student who knows how to take
advantage of opportunities presented.
Tell us something we probably don't know about you.
We are not sure of what you know about us, but maybe one
thing that you never got a chance to know is that both of us (Fred and Barbara)
were born into very large families of more than 10 siblings! Can you imagine
sharing the little we had with 10 others!
What's your philanthropic philosophy?
We honor God by sharing our talents and blessings. We
believe it’s better to give than to receive. Somebody has to take care of
tomorrow! If not us, who?
Why do you give to Episcopal?
To thank those who gave yesterday and enabled us to give David this
great educational investment, and to give hope for those who will come
tomorrow. With David, we got more out of EHS than we were able to contribute or
give; we can never give enough back. EHS has been so good to us; we are greatly
indebted. We will gladly send George (our youngest son), if admitted, to EHS
for his high school education.