Coming into her eighth year of teaching at Pine Crest, Jordanna Court ’12 says she didn’t know what she wanted to do after graduating from college.
When an opportunity to return to Pine Crest presented itself, she did not hesitate! As a former student on the Boca Raton campus, Jordanna said, “It’s been a great experience to work with and continue learning from teachers who taught me. I think it just goes to show that teaching and learning never stop.”
As a Computer Science and Technology Specialist and the Chair of the Middle School Math Department, Jordanna has enjoyed serving as a leader among her peers collaborating on curriculum and the overall direction of the department. She also works in tandem with the Fort Lauderdale Middle School Math Department Chair and teachers and says that “more voices in the room help to create better perspectives.”
Get to know more about Jordanna and why she has prioritized supporting Pine Crest School through annual giving.
Where do you see the impact of philanthropy across campus?
"I think the most visible impact are the upgrades to our current facilities and the many new construction projects which have led to new incredible opportunities for learning."
When supporting annual giving, donors have the opportunity to select the area of our school that is most meaningful to them: schoolwide priorities, faculty professional learning, the arts, athletics, and financial aid. What area of our school do you designate your annual gift to and what draws you to that area?
I always choose to give to financial assistance. What draws me to that area is knowing that my donation can help ease the burden of a family who wants their child to have the best opportunities but may not have the resources to provide it. I feel passionate about financial assistance and want to make sure anyone who is deserving of a Pine Crest education has that opportunity."
What inspires you to continue supporting annual giving year after year?
"At my core, I do feel it is important to give back. Pine Crest has given me a lot as a student and now as a teacher. Supporting initiatives to improve our environment and our students’ experience is a great way to show support for the organization where you hope to be for a long time."
What is your favorite PC tradition or on-campus event?
"Homecoming! It is exciting when everyone comes together, both current and former Panthers who continue to support our school. It shows the community we have and the investment that families have in our community."
What is your favorite food in the dining hall?
"Pizza bagels! I also like the salad bar, fresh veggies and grilled chicken."
In your opinion, what is the defining characteristic of the Pine Crest experience and how does that influence our graduates?
"Opportunity. There are endless amounts of experiences that students can participate in from clubs, athletics and arts to robotics, engineering and computer science. Students can always find their place here. From my perspective as an alum, that helps to define early on what students may want to pursue in the future—it lets them explore and try different things. The Pine Crest graduate is a motivated, high-achieving individual and providing unique opportunities for each student to challenge themselves creates an internal drive that is essential to success in the future no matter the field."
Is there anything else you would like to share with your peers?
"We know that tuition doesn't cover the full cost of the Pine Crest experience. Annual giving helps us push the boundaries of what is possible in education and sets us up to be a leading role model for other institutions. Our community's coming together to give every year allows that to happen.
We are direct beneficiaries of annual giving, and our students are too."
Click here to read why World Languages Department Chair Patty Gómez Supports Annual Giving!