A Knight to Remember
As The Gooden School celebrates its 50th anniversary, the community is invited to join in “A Knight to Remember,” a milestone celebration honoring five decades of educational excellence, community spirit, and cherished tradition.
The school’s 50th Anniversary Gala, taking place this Saturday, April 25, will bring together current families, alumni, past and present faculty, and friends to celebrate Gooden’s history while looking ahead to its future. The event will be held at NOOR in Pasadena’s Paseo Colorado, an elegant setting for an evening that promises to be both festive and meaningful.
“We look forward to celebrating five decades of history with our current families and with the many Knights including students, parents, and educators who have helped make The Gooden School the special place it is,” said Laurie Tortell, now in her 19th year at Gooden and first as Head of School.
Founded in 1975 in Sierra Madre by local families and its first head of school, Spencer Edwards, The Gooden School was named for The Right Reverend Robert Gooden, Bishop Suffragan of the Diocese of Los Angeles from 1930–47. His belief that every child deserves a high-quality education that honors individual potential continues to shape the school’s mission today. What began with just 12 students and five teachers in a former orchard farmhouse has grown into a thriving Episcopal school serving students from transitional kindergarten through eighth grade. Its motto -“Respect for Self, Respect for Others, and Respect for the World”- remains at the heart of the Gooden experience.
The gala will reflect these values through storytelling, tributes, and alumni reflections. The evening will also honor recently retired Head of School Jo-Anne Woolner for more than 30 years of dedication as a parent, Latin and history teacher, administrator, and leader.
Chaired by alumni parent and former board chair Nadilee Russell, with support from the Gooden Family Association led by president Lissy Carbone, the event also honors Gooden’s earliest community through honorary chair Maggie Sabbag and historical imagery provided by alumni legacy chair Robert Ell.
Guests can look forward to an evening of dinner, dancing, and both live and silent auctions featuring premium items and experiences. Proceeds from the event will support renovations to the school’s north yard lawn and playground, helping ensure that future generations of Gooden students enjoy the same enriching experience that has defined the school for half a century.
Tickets and more information are available at gooden50.com.
