“While it can feel like magic, it is a village of immensely talented, dedicated and loving people who are helping students overcome their unique challenges and thrive in the world.” Haley and Thomas Roff shared a similar experience with their son Marshall, who was struggling in a traditional setting and was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder and expressive language disorder. They felt unprepared and overwhelmed with the news of Marshall’s diagnosis, so they began touring schools to find one that would better suit his needs.
The moment they visited Parish, they “knew it was different.”
“The warmth and understanding of the staff, combined with their personalized approach and the collaborative therapy model of the on-site Carruth Center, assured us that Marshall would not just learn, but thrive and be celebrated for his unique strengths and supported in the way he learns best,” Thomas said.
Marshall will be entering his fourth year at Parish, and his growth has been evident.
“Marshall is excited about school and sharing what he is learning each day,” Thomas said. “His creativity, curiosity, confidence, particularly in his communication, have grown leaps and bounds, especially over the last year.” The evening also included a live auction, raffle and the ever-popular “Paddles Up.” Those moments, combined with underwriting sponsorships, pre-event donations, and the silent auction led to a strong gross of $453,000 raised – helping Parish sustain its mission to empower children with communication delays and learning differences. Underwriters for the event included Kirkland & Ellis, LLP, the Roff and Freeman families, the Pontikes and Flannery families, the Dupuis and Rickertsen families, Annie and Taylor Mason and many more. The Parish School is incredibly grateful to our underwriters, donors, the Gala committee and guests for helping make our event such a success. Next year’s gala is set for February 7, 2026, with more details to come. To learn more about next year’s gala and how you can get involved, contact advancement@parishschool.org.
| 25 SUMMER 2025
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