Jennifer Smith ‘87

 

“I was lucky to come to St. Mildred’s-Lightbourn School. It was the best decision we ever made.” Jennifer Smith ‘87 recalls with great fondness the seven years she spent as a student at SMLS from Grades 7-13. “I lived in Milton and because of the public system structure at that time, I would have had to change schools three times between Grades 7-13, so my mother decided that sending me to SMLS was the best thing for me - and she was absolutely correct.”

 

Throughout Jennifer’s adult life, she has fortuitously crossed paths with many Millies and notes the instant connection it creates between strangers. “It doesn’t matter what year you graduated, if you went to this school you are part of a sisterhood. Everyone supports everyone. From the Administrative staff to the Faculty to the students - it is one big family.”

 

Jennifer is proud of how SMLS has evolved. “I wish I had the opportunity these girls do now. As long as the school keeps advancing and allowing girls the opportunity to succeed, that is what matters.”

 

Jennifer’s volunteerism began upon her graduation, thirty-six years ago. She has served as a member of the Alumnae Executive and is a long-time Class Representative for her Class of 1987. It wasn’t long after that she began her philanthropic support of the school. “When I started giving to SMLS it was a small amount each year, but it helps. If every alumna did the same, collectively that would really make a difference.”

 

In 2015, Jennifer lovingly included SMLS in her estate plans and left a bequest to the school through her Will. Jennifer’s wish is that her gift to the Student Financial Assistance program will help more girls have access to and experience all that SMLS has to offer and give them more possibilities for a successful future.

 

“I’m paying it forward. A school like SMLS fosters so much because the alumnae go on to become incredible individuals. It is important to me to give more girls this chance. I was lucky to get the chance to receive an education at SMLS. There are many girls out there deserving of it, and I am happy to help give someone else this opportunity.”

 

“An SMLS education teaches you how to get through life. It helps form you. When I was a student, the Sisters were a big part of the school, and they would say ‘Today is the first day of the rest of your life’. No one knows what tomorrow will bring, but as a SMLS student, you know you can do anything and that you have a community behind you that is there whenever you need.”

 

When asked what advice she has for fellow alumnae, Jennifer says, “Remember your time at SMLS, what the school did for you, what you can do for the school.”