Experiential School
On Friday, May 10, Shorecrest was honored by Hero to a Child, formerly known as the Guardian ad Litem Foundation of Tampa Bay, as the 2024 Hero of Promise in recognition of 30+ years of service through the annual Shorecrest Holiday Gift Drive. Head of School Nancy Spencer accepted the award on behalf of the Shorecrest Community at the 2024 Unsung Heroes Brunch.
With roots tracing back to 1985, the Shorecrest Holiday Gift Drive benefiting Hero to a Child is the School’s largest and longest-running annual service project. Current parents, students, faculty and staff, as well as many alumni and their families, participate in the Gift Drive annually in ways that are meaningful to them. In 2023, the Holiday Gift Drive fulfilled the wish lists of 270 children in the foster care system in Pinellas and Pasco Counties.
The Shorecrest Holiday Gift Drive is organized and run entirely by Shorecrest parent volunteers. Under the leadership of a duo of volunteer chairs, the Gift Drive benefits from the time and talents of nearly 100 volunteers each year from the Shorecrest community.
In her remarks at the event, Nancy said: "Developing a commitment to social responsibility is one of the four pillars of our school's Mission. Supporting Hero to a Child through this annual service project allows our students to live our Mission, and begin the holiday season thinking of others. Our parent volunteers model that selfless service, sharing their time and resources to impact the lives of children in our community who have been separated from their families through no fault of their own."
Beyond the Gift Drive, Shorecrest's connection to Hero to a Child runs deep, with members of the school community serving as Guardian ad Litems, student volunteers, and more. Examples of that connection were evident at the 2024 Unsung Heroes Brunch as Hero to a Child Board Member and event emcee, Andy Zolper, introduced Nancy Spencer, saying, "And I'm a proud parent of four Shorecrest alumni!"
Another event honoree, Khedjia Nottingham, is the parent of two Shorecrest alumni and was first introduced to Hero to a Child through the Shorecrest Gift Drive. She recalled, "When I entered the gym during our family's first year at Shorecrest and saw the generosity of this community, I knew we had chosen the right place."
Khedjia was honored at the 2024 Hero of Heart, recognized for her decade of service as an advocate for more than 40 children in the Pinellas County foster care system.
