Celebrating Legacy at the 23rd Annual SGS Luncheon

On Tuesday, May 6, Seattle Girls' School hosted its 23rd Annual Luncheon at the Westin in Downtown Seattle. This long-standing, student-led event is a cornerstone of our community and directly supports our tuition assistance program—ensuring that an SGS education remains accessible to all.

This year’s theme, Legacy, honored the changemakers of our past and future. Inspired by the recent passing of SGS co-founder Karen Lane, the theme celebrated her lasting impact: a legacy of empowerment and an insatiable love of learning that continues to shape both students and the broader SGS community.

As Head of School Brenda Leaks shared in her speech:

Following Brenda’s remarks, a student speaker took the stage to present the Grace Hopper Award to Merrill Keating—recognizing her outstanding mentorship and commitment to creating pathways for others. The award celebrates leaders who uplift and encourage women* to become changemakers in their own communities.

Next, attendees viewed the SGS Luncheon video, which spotlighted the Pay It Forward project—an interdisciplinary initiative where students identify an issue they care about and are equipped with the tools to take meaningful action. The video’s message was clear: building a legacy doesn’t have to wait—you can start right now, even as a 7th grader.

The event concluded with an inspiring speech from Kayla Kerr, current board member and SGS alum, who reflected on how her SGS experience helped shape her career and unlock her full potential.

Thanks to the incredible support of our community, this year’s luncheon was a huge success, as we raised over $310,000! Thank you to everyone who joined us in celebrating the power of legacy at SGS!