As we look forward to this week’s “Topping Out” event for the Porter Family Center for Innovation & Academics, we have even greater cause for celebration! With immense gratitude, we announce a $1 million gift from Amy and Jay Jackson to the Elevate Highlanders Campaign.
The Jacksons’ remarkable gift will name the Jackson Breezeway in the Porter Family Center, a signature open passageway and terraced plaza where Highlanders will connect, congregate, and build community. The Jacksons’ investment will also establish the Jackson Financial Aid Endowment, extending the extraordinary opportunities of a Lake Highland education to talented and deserving students who are unable to afford tuition.
Designs are subject to change
When the Jacksons’ oldest daughter started Pre-K three years ago, Jay and Amy were immediately impressed by the sense of community shared by our Highlander family. In the years since, they have been generously committed to strengthening our community and making our school the very best it can be. In addition to their remarkable philanthropic support, Amy is a dedicated volunteer, serving as a member of the Board of Visitors, a Room Parent, and a Highlander Ambassador.
When we learned about the vision of the Elevate Campaign, we knew the school was taking an amazing forward leap. It’s something we knew we wanted to be part of. Helping to realize this vision will impact not only our three children, but all Highlanders now and for decades to come.
Jay Jackson
That’s a really special thing.
“Our young Highlanders have had an incredible experience at LHP thus far.” Jay shared, “When we learned about the vision of the Elevate Campaign, we knew the school was taking an amazing forward leap. It’s something we knew we wanted to be part of. Helping to realize this vision will impact not only our three children, but all Highlanders now and for decades to come. That’s a really special thing.”
Jay and Amy saw the Porter Family Center as an opportunity to build something extraordinary: an exceptional facility that fosters inspiration, collaboration, and academic excellence. A place where students will learn new ways of thinking, problem solving, and creating – experiences Highlanders will carry with them for the rest of their lives.
“We are deeply grateful to Amy and Jay Jackson for their family’s generosity and investment in the future of all Highlanders, “ President Jim McIntyre shared. “Their gift in naming the Breezeway in the Porter Family Center will serve as a reminder to all of us of their personal commitment and desire to provide a transformative portal for our students, faculty, and families to continue the Lake Highland tradition of empowering students with noble character, keen intellect, and an enduring love of learning while thriving in a highly competitive, widely collaborative, and ever-changing world.”
It was equally important to Jay and Amy that talented and deserving students from all financial backgrounds have access to the new Porter Family Center and all the components of a Highlander education. With that commitment to opportunity, they directed part of their gift to establish the Jackson Financial Aid Endowment.
“We feel strongly about extending the opportunities at Lake Highland to students who may not have the means to cover tuition, but who would excel in the LHP environment and benefit from all this community has to offer. And our Lake Highland community will benefit just as much by having these students here. The school prioritizes opportunity and inclusion, and these are important priorities for our family as well,” Amy shared.
President McIntyre expressed our gratitude for the Jacksons’ remarkable investment in financial aid, “Jay and Amy have humbled us all with their thoughtful establishment of an endowment which will serve as a legacy to future Highlanders to make sure they too can walk through the doors of Central Florida’s School of Opportunity.”
From left: Harper ‘37, Amy,
Easton ‘ ‘35, Jay, and Kinley ‘34
Designs are subject to change
Designs are subject to change
Lake Highland recently launched the community giving phase of the Elevate Highlanders Campaign, inviting all Highlanders to invest in this bold, innovative vision for the future of our school. The Campaign includes three transformative capital projects – (1) Porter Family Center for Innovation & Academics; (2) Multisport Facility and Field Renovation at the Lake Highland Athletic Complex; and (3) The Arts District – along with a focus on growing Lake Highland’s endowment and sustained support of the Highlander Fund.
We invite you to learn more about the Elevate Highlanders Campaign and how you can make an impact. If you have questions or would like to discuss making a pledge or gift, please contact a member of our Advancement Team and we will gratefully assist.
