A Flourishing Future Community Event

On Saturday, April 5, the Cannon School community gathered for a special event to celebrate the exciting developments coming to the school as part of A Flourishing Future capital campaign. Families, faculty, staff, and friends came together for the unveiling of plans for the Upper School renovation and expansion, along with the introduction of dedicated Academic Resource Centers across the Lower, Middle, and Upper Schools. This event marked a key moment in Cannon's ongoing campaign to enhance its teaching and learning spaces, ensuring that students have the resources they need to thrive. 

Attendees were invited to experience the future of Cannon firsthand through guided tours led by Upper School students. As they walked through classrooms, labs, and collaborative spaces, visitors had the opportunity to engage with faculty and students, who offered insights into the school’s curriculum, teaching methods, and the vision behind the planned updates. These tours allowed attendees to step into the shoes of a student for an hour, giving them a true sense of how the forthcoming renovations will enhance the school experience. 

Head of School Mike Drew showcased renderings and floor plans of the upcoming Upper School expansion, while Director of Teaching & Learning Nate Rogers discussed how these updated spaces will support the curriculum designed to fully prepare students for an ever-changing world. The new spaces will provide cutting-edge environments for both teaching and learning, helping students develop the skills and knowledge they need to excel in the future. 

A highlight of the event was a heartfelt address from parents Andy and Renee Wheeler, who shared their personal experience with Cannon School and their children, Emmi '31 and Everett '33, and discussed why they were inspired to support the campaign with a major gift, leading to the naming of The Wheeler Family Collab Hub. Andy Wheeler spoke to the transformative impact of a Cannon education, noting how the school instills personal qualities, values, and confidence in its students. He also shared how impressed he has been with Cannon alumni, mentioning that he even hired one for his own business. The preparedness of a Cannon graduate is clear, Andy noted, underscoring the success and relevance of the school’s approach, and one of the reasons why he and Renee are so inspired to support this campaign. 

The event concluded with a catered lunch, where attendees had the chance to mingle with faculty, staff, and fellow community members. A Flourishing Future community event was a memorable occasion that reinforced Cannon’s commitment to providing an exceptional education in state-of-the-art facilities, paving the way for the next generation of leaders and innovators.

Enjoy the event photo gallery here.