Once I heard De Marillac opened its doors, I sent a letter with a small check. I have been proudly supporting the school ever since. I introduced the O’Shea Foundation to De Marillac in 2002. During a site visit, a group of us met teachers and students, and also observed students in the classroom. We were so impressed with what was taking place at De Marillac-once inside the gate, an atmosphere of love, gentility and academic rigor abound. At that point I became convinced that in order to fully comprehend the De Marillac spirit, one had to visit the school. I also attended the first graduation in 2004, and was awed by the students and their families. The academic procession of board members, faculty, and staff, along with the students in caps and gowns brought tears to my eyes. The children had obviously rehearsed and been so well prepared for the event and had a clear understanding of the significance of the occasion. I was so proud of them and the school. Supporting De Marillac Academy personally, and also through the O’Shea Foundation, has been very thrilling for me. My uncle and aunt, John P. and Carole O’Shea sincerely valued education. In giving to De Marillac through their foundation, I believe the love of learning given to them in the early 1900s by San Francisco public schools, Jesuit fathers, and the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur, is now being given to the children of De Marillac in these early years of the 21st century. It truly is an honor to be part of De Marillac. Educated myself in Catholic parochial and private schools in San Francisco, I tremendously value a faith-based education. Supporting De Marillac is a way of saying thank you for the generosity and dedication of my teachers of years past. I highly encourage others to visit De Marillac Academy and to become a supporter of such a dynamic mission and a great group of students and educators.
*A version of this reflection appeared in De Marillac’s Fall 2007 Newsletter. | 
