2024 State of the School Transforms Into “The Not So Late Night Show”

On Wednesday, Oct. 30, more than 350 St. Luke’s community members gathered on the Hilltop for the 23rd annual State of the School (Click the link for a recording of State of the School, community statistics, financial highlights, special thanks, and more).

The evening began with a stunning fall-inspired reception hosted by the Parents’ Association’s State of the School Committee, led by co-chairs Michelle Riley P ‘25, ‘27 and Leah DeSantis P ‘26, ‘28, ‘30. Guests enjoyed hors d’oeuvres, cocktails, and a special chef’s table from St. Luke’s new executive chef Thomas Sharkis. Drinks were served by our good-spirited Board of Trustees members, who acted as the event bartenders.

Following the reception, guests gathered in the Seldin Performing Arts Center, where they discovered they were audience members of The Not So Late Night Show hosted by St. Luke’s Board Chair Christopher Rosow. Throughout the talk show, guests, including Head of School Mary Halpin Carter, teachers, administrators, parents, and students, joined Chris on stage to discuss SLS’s mission in action, the student experience, why they give, and how to lead with humanity. 

Band teacher Peter Valera led The Not So Late Night Band featuring Laurel Aronian '25, Ethan Lanier '27, Jaylen Myles '25, Eloise Pakman '25, Maggie Rosow '26, Sam Thomas '26, and band teacher Maggie Lauer. The band played throughout the evening and even had a special performance of "Dancing in the Dark" with David Pakman P ‘19, ‘22, ‘25, on drums.

The evening ended with Carter and Rosow presenting the 2024 Edward B. Blakely Distinguished Faculty & Staff Award to Upper School English teacher Susan Doran, who told the audience, “Teaching literature to your children at St. Luke’s has been--and continues to be--the privilege of my life.”

See additional photos here.