October 7, 2024, was a very special day for the University Laboratory School Foundation (ULSF) and the students at University Laboratory School (ULS)! The ULSF, a dedicated 501 (c)(3) not for profit organization, tirelessly volunteers its time to manage four major funds:
The Jr. Bows General Endowment Fund
The Parent Appeal Fund
The Leighton Wong ULS Athletic Support Fund
The Music and Secondary Language Fund
Each year, the Foundation donates 5% from the balances of the Jr. Bows General Endowment and Leighton Wong ULS Athletic Support Funds, while also forwarding any parent appeal contributions directly to the school. We are actively working to build the funds in the Music and Secondary Language Fund through community support. Once this fund reaches a value of $25,000, the ULSF will also be able to annually give back $1250 to the school’s music and secondary language departments.
The collective support and annual donations from our ULS Ohana and community have been instrumental in growing each fund in perpetuity. This year the ULSF was able to contribute over $89,000 to the school, assisting with facility upgrades, curriculum development, program development, and essential learning materials and equipment. As a result of these collective efforts, our current ULS students and their families are already reaping the benefits! The more we work together to enhance these funds, the more our school benefits! We hope to be able to give even more next year. Contributions to our funds can be made on our website: ULS Foundation Online Giving.
As we give back to the students at ULS, the students have also given back to us. We would like to take this time to acknowledge three ULS student groups and their respective families, coaches and faculty members. The ULS girls’ basketball teams, boys’ basketball teams and the Science Teams/Organizations generously volunteered their time to assist in this past summer’s 25th Annual ULS Golf Tournament. Each year, the ULSF organizes this tournament to raise funds to build the Jr. Bows General Endowment Fund, which supports the growth and sustainability of the school. The success of the tournament heavily depends on volunteers, and we are deeply grateful that so many of our current ULS Ohana and students stepped up to help.
The ULS Golf Tournament also provides school clubs, activity groups and teams with the opportunity to fundraise for their respective causes. This year, we witnessed extraordinary acts of service and generosity from our students, which speaks volumes about the character and spirit of the young men and women of ULS, as well as the support they receive from the wider community:
The ULS Science Teams/Organizations played a crucial role by educating participants on environmental sustainability, using the event to promote a recycling initiative. In recognition of their efforts, the Foundation was pleased to donate $1000 to the Science Club, acknowledging their valuable contribution to the event.
The ULS boys’ basketball teams demonstrated their generosity by donating $1200 of their fundraising proceeds to the girls’ basketball teams. This act of support is a shining example of the camaraderie between our athletes. Great job boys!
The girls’ basketball teams also made a significant contribution by rallying the largest group of supporters for the tournament. Their enthusiasm and energy throughout the day were truly inspiring. In recognition of their well-deserved efforts, the Foundation matched $1533 they raised at the golf hole game challenge, bringing their total earnings over $3,000. These funds will be used to support their program, including travel, uniforms, bags or shoes.
Lastly, we want to extend a heartfelt thank you to the Rachlin Ohana (Ted Rachlin ’91 and Jeff Rachlin ’90), whose incredible act of giving resulted in a $12,500 donation to the boys’ basketball program. This donation will help cover their traveling expenses for their upcoming pre-season tournament in San Diego this winter. We are beyond grateful for this extraordinary contribution! The Rachlin Ohana’s continued support is a testament to the lasting bonds within the ULS Ohana. Thank you for being a shining example of the giving spirit of our alumni.
"He pūkoʻa kani ʻāina” is an ʻolelo noʻeau that literally means “a small coral reef growing into an island”. This wise saying illustrates the impact ULSF has on the growth and development of our keiki who attend ULS. ULSF serves to help actualize the academic, co-curricular, and extracurricular program of our pūkoʻa—our school. From a complete holistic curricular education to robust athletic and musical offerings, our sons have grown tremendously over the years that they have called ULS home. If ULS is the pūkoʻa (small coral reef), then ULSF contributes to the conditions in which that reef can not only grow but thrive. Our ʻohana is grateful and continues to explore ways to support ULSF, creating a healthy and thriving educational experience for not only our sons but for all the keiki who attend ULS.”
- Jaime and Tiare Ahu (Alika Ahu ʻ26, Austen Ahu ʻ28, Aaron Ahu ʻ30)
“As a proud ULS alumna and Lab School lifer, I feel so fortunate to be teaching in the place that gave me the foundation upon which all my accomplishments have stemmed from. The lessons I learned at ULS run the gamut from academics, problem-solving skills, the importance of community and collaboration, SDIs (if you know, you know), and even how to play the trombone, but most importantly a strong dedication to helping others. Since my first-year teaching at ULS, I have sought to provide opportunities for students to explore their interests and passions in STEM, along with like-minded peers, as well as to be stewards of ULS, through recycling on campus and at events that we volunteer at in the community. I am extremely grateful to ULSF for its continuous support of our science extracurricular teams and organizations: Science Olympiad, Robotics, HOSA-Future Health Professionals, and Green Planet Infinity Society. The students and I also appreciate all of the opportunities to give back to ULS through volunteering our time and energy at school events such as the annual Golf Tournament, ULS Paʻina, and Campus Beautification Days.”
-Jennifer Seki-Wong ’96 – ULS Faculty
“With nearly 13 years of ULS experience under my belt, I can confidently say that my time at Lab School has shaped who I am today. Through its commitment to holistic education, I have grown through a variety of lenses; whether expanding my scientific knowledge in the laboratory, exploring my creative side with sculpture, or experiencing the brotherhood of sports, ULS has created an environment that fosters growth through multifaceted perspectives. Most of all, the supportive culture and amazing people make me proud to call myself an alumnus in less than a year–it’s not an exaggeration when they call it the “ULS family”. Thank you to the ULSF for all of its support, and for pushing to make the Lab School experience even greater!”
–Kian Sanchez ‘25 (Science Research Elective, Green Planet Infinity Society Vice-President, Varsity Boys’ Basketball Manager, Student Body Government President)
“Giving back to the community has always been such a privilege to me. It helps me be more aware of the world and that one person can really make a difference and gives me a sense of happiness and belonging. This donation means a lot to not just me, but the whole ULS community, it gives us even more opportunities to help and give back. Thank you again for this generous donation and opportunity. “
– Natalie Choi ‘26 (HOSA-Future Health Professionals Treasurer, Science Olympiad Team, Science Research Elective)
“I've participated in volunteering through our HOSA chapter for a while now and it has always been great helping others and the community. It was amazing to volunteer at the golf tournament specifically because we were able to implement recycling! I'm grateful for the ULSF for helping us in our future endeavors.”
–Amelia Smith ‘27 (Science Olympiad Team, HOSA-Future Health Professionals Historian, Science Research Elective)
“After countless years of playing basketball at ULS, it means so much to not only me but our entire team and program as a whole. Being able to receive support such as this one helps us continue to grow and move forward. Even though we may be a small school, these instances really showcase the family and bond our school shares. As not only a basketball player but also a student at ULS, we appreciate all the support and constant effort given into our school. Thank you so much to the ULSF for the amazing donations and a chance at growing our sports programs, school, music and an even greater school experience.”
-Aaron Hamada ’25 (Senior member on the ULS Varsity Boys Basketball Team)
We are deeply grateful for the generosity of all our donors, and we are proud to share this special day with each and every one of you. Your support means the world to our student-athletes, scholars and faculty members.
On behalf of the ULSF, the ULS students and the entire ULS Ohana, we extend our sincere thanks for your ongoing support and commitment to our school. We look forward to continuing this tradition of service, generosity, and togetherness in the years to come.
Mahalos again for your kokua, efforts, and continued support.
Warmest Aloha,
Romeo Gampong, ‘90
ULSF President
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