Western High
School Foundation
Our mission is to preserve and strengthen Western High School’s reputation as an important, influential institution; to empower Western and its students to impact the world’s future; and to equip each student to reach her dreams…and soar.
Our Why
Since 1844, Western High School has stood as a beacon for public education in Baltimore city and the nation. Lifted and supported by the school’s bright legacy, Western High School graduates have made outstanding contributions to Maryland and the world beyond.
We believe future generations in our city must always have access to the empowerment Western provides as a single-sex school firmly rooted in enduring history, standards and teachers who are second to none.
Lucem Accepimus, Lucem Demus, meaning we have received light, let us give light, is Western’s motto that students and alumnae learn and live by. Even beyond uplifting individual lives and our own city, isn’t light what the world needs now?
From Girls to Gamechangers!
We seek to preserve Western’s legacy of excellence and consequential alumnae, to strengthen today’s Western — for addressing new challenges, empowering Western and its students to achieve positive futures and to soar!
Our Mission
Our mission is to preserve and strengthen Western High School’s reputation as an important institution with strong college-preparatory coursework, new relevant offerings, distinctive traditions, a nurturing single-sex learning environment, and competitive student outcomes.
Our Role
The Foundation’s role is advocacy, strong partnerships and fundraising for Western’s continued strength and advancement as an institution and academic beacon.
Introducing our 2023 Celebration of World-Class Teaching
We support the Western Teacher Academy of Maryland and honor Western’s extraordinary faculty. That is because we know the bedrock of a great education and daily inspiration is the teachers!
That’s why Western leaders recruit teachers early and often to join a stellar faculty.
That’s why Western was chosen to house the only Teacher Academy of Maryland in Baltimore City Schools.
Historically and now, Western has an incredible team of smart, diverse, enthusiastic teachers. First hand, Western knows what makes teachers great, and isn’t that what our city, state and country need now?
Current Projects
Western Super-Power: It’s About The Teachers
The caliber, diversity and enthusiasm of Western’s faculty is unsurpassed! Honoring faculty and Western’s Teacher Academy of Maryland is the Foundation’s 2023 priority. See the announcement below!
The All-Girls Experience
As the oldest all-girls public school in the nation, Western has a sacred mission to benefit women today. Baltimore families must be made aware of the data proving the value of our all-girls model – an important plus in choosing Western.
Sister Schools Global Initiative
Foundation Board Member and CEO of International Womens Think Tank, Brenda Morant (WHS 1962) brought Sisters Schools to Western. Students gain important cross-cultural experiences and insights for their future global leadership roles.
21st Century Renovation
The Foundation has been centrally involved with plans for Western’s multi-million dollar upgrade and will support the transition through partnerships and advocacy. The Foundation will help Western leaders to maximize the school’s transformation for a soaring future.
The Year that Launched WHSF...
As Principal Michelle White and Foundation members discussed our work together, the perfect start was Western’s 175 Anniversary!
Through the extraordinary virtual event, chaired by Western High School Foundation board members Christine McKee (WHS 1974) and Lee Kappelman (WHS 1972), we “planted our flag” showcasing the school’s legacy and future vision.