JOIN THE CLEBRATION!

Thank you for celebrating with us! If you missed the premiere, you can still celebrate by clicking the link below!

A Reason to Celebrate!

A virtual, festive SHINE THE LIGHT GALA CELEBRATION to honor the 175th Anniversary of Western High School, America’s oldest all-girls public high school and its shining legacy which has inspired women since 1844. 

When's the Party?

The live event is over but we recorded it so you can celebrate with us any time you want. 

Who Will Be There?

Starring multi-award winning actress and playwright Anna Deavere Smith ('67); honorary gala chair Dr. Nancy S. Grasmick ('57), special guest Dr. Carla Hayden, renowned artist Espi Frazier, Principal Michelle White ('93), uber-talented Western students and gala co-chairs Christine McKee ('74) and Lee Kappelman ('72).

What We're Honoring

Western High School has a proud legacy, distinguished alumnae, traditions and ambitions which uniquely advance the dreams of young urban women.  Although more than half come from families at or below poverty level, 96% of Western girls go on to college and all shine their light in their communities.

How to Watch

The event is now available to watch on YouTube.

Fabulous Ways to Support

Party Kit - ​Closed
​Donations of $175 or more will receive a complimentary party kit for the event! 

Party Kits including fun-enhancing surprises, delectable goodies, mocktail/cocktail fixings, candles, selfie-props, Octavia gift certificate, shawl raffle ticket, recipes and song lyrics.  Party kits are provided as a thank you for donations of $175 or more. Reservations close April 15, 2021.

Art Auction- Closed

Picture
​​Red Queen Wall Hanging by Espi Frazier
We are auctioning off the Red Queen Wall Hanging, created by artist Espi Frazier, beginning April 19 through noon on April 30, 2021.  Place your bid for this stunning piece of artwork today! 

Raffle - Closed

Picture
​Exquisite Shawl by Espi Frazier
We will be raffling off an exquisite shawl, by artist Espi Frazier, beginning April 19 through midnight April 29, 2021.

Make a Donation

Your generous contribution will build funds to:

  • Enact new individualized and accountable academic program for classroom and testing success.
  • Pursue a visionary 3-part environmental initiative including replacing the rooftop greenhouse; sustainably and substantially upgrading our front campus on Falls Road for outdoor classes and beauty; and instituting an environmental curriculum for enhanced college admissions and careers. 
  • Address important needs as needed for generations of future Western students.

Mingle With Who's Who

Award-winning actress, playwright, director and scholar, Anna Deavere Smith ('67), has been a supporter of her alma mater for many years and has welcomed current Western students to NYU where she founded and directs the Institute of the Arts and Civic Dialogue at New York University. Among extensive lifetime honors, Ms. Deavere Smith is a MacArthur “genius” fellow and was presented the National Humanities Medal by President Obama. 
Western Principal Michelle White ('93) will kick off the event with special guests Dr. Nancy S. Grasmick ('57), long-serving state superintendent of schools and current scholar in residence at Towson University, and Dr. Carla Hayden, the 14th Librarian of Congress, the first African American and first woman to serve in the role, and beloved former head of Enoch Pratt. 
Espi Frazier, extraordinary visual artist and recently retired educator at Friends School of Baltimore.  Frazier’s 35 x 15 inch Red Queen Wall Hanging will be auctioned during the event; an extravagantly beaded, vivid crochet shawl will be raffled.  To preview the wall hanging and the shawl, please follow the yellow highlighted links. 
Kevin Brown, the dynamic co-owner of Station North Arts Cafe', and fashion icon from Paris, NY and Baltimore Caprece Jackson will demonstrate the creation of a special Sparkling Sunrise Royale cocktail/mocktail. 
​