One of Sommer’s absolute favorite things to do was swing. Whether in our backyard or at a park, the swing set was one of her happy places. She could spend hours there – rain or shine, hot or cold – listening to music, singing, playing games, or chatting with friends. Swinging gave her freedom, joy, and peace.
In Sommer’s honor, we are hosting a swing-a-thon to raise money for The Sommer Elaine Callen Memorial Scholarship. This scholarship supports students who, like Sommer, don’t thrive in a traditional public school environment. Please click the button to go to the fundraising page and learn more!
I (Sommer’s mom) will never forget the day I went to Easton Country Day School (ECDS), located in Easton, CT and met with the Director, Suellen Inwood. She was caring, helpful, and had an empathetic attitude. We sat together on the ground on a sunny day in the school courtyard and talked about Sommer, our energetic, uniquely curious, red-headed daughter. I immediately knew that the environment Suellen and her team created for all their students would rekindle Sommer’s love for school. And thrive she did – even gained enough self-confidence to sing a solo in a schoolwide concert in front of hundreds!
After Sommer completed 3rd grade, my husband’s career meant a family move to Minnesota. Our three years as part of the ECDS community were incredibly impactful for Sommer and our family. In three short years, Sommer gained confidence through the love, education, and guidance from her teachers/ caregivers at ECDS. You do not have to fit a mold at ECDS. It is a school where children can thrive. And we as parents also felt support and love.
In Sommer’s honor and to support the school that embraced her uniqueness and launched her on an amazing and productive course in life, we are supporting Easton Country Day School (ECDS) with a memorial scholarship in Sommer’s name. This school and its faculty genuinely cared about and got to know Sommer as a whole person. Like all the students at ECDS, Sommer was loved and encouraged to be who she was, and she thrived. However, ECDS is a private school with highly capable faculty and tuition is not free. Sommer would want to help other children on their own unique paths to also experience this wonderful environment and education. So, we established The Sommer Elaine Callen Memorial Scholarship to help. Through donation, you will give children a special education and start to their journey.
Donate to help students get an education at Easton Country Day School through this scholarship!
