its reputation for meeting students where they are. The family moved to Park Ridge from Chicago in order to be close to SAA when Joe enrolled in the fall of 1997.
From the very beginning, Mark shared his time and skills in support of the fledgling school. Mark first became involved as a volunteer in the parent organization at the school. He conducted science experiments with the eager young learners on a weekly basis. After Joe’ s younger brother, Dan, enrolled in the fall of 1998, Mark joined the Board of Trustees.
As a trustee, Mark worked industriously alongside others to strengthen the new school’ s financial footing, and did all he could to ensure its survival and growth. He has served on the Board of Trustees continuously since 1998, and over the years has led as Finance Secretary, Board Chair, and Chair of the Admissions and Marketing Committee.
His dedication, intelligence, and humor have helped guide the evolution of SAA from its promising beginnings to the mature and stable institution we know today. Mark played a key role in seeing SAA through several changes in leadership and worked tirelessly to realize the dream of building a school and campus as unique as our mission.
His continued commitment to keeping the school missioncentered, his constant push towards professionalization of SAA at all levels, and his determination to prioritize the well being of the students above all else have left their indelible mark on the school. It is no stretch to say that Science & Arts Academy wouldn’ t be what it is today without Mark’ s selfless dedication.
We thank and honor Mark Anderson for being a deeply committed and dedicated supporter of SAA’ s mission and core values, and name him the 2017 Blue Horizon Award Honoree.
11