Dear Friends of Wheaton High School,

As most of you know, our class of 1966 created a Foundation in order to assist the students and staff at Wheaton High School in numerous ways. I believe you are all aware that last year we were able to contribute $6,000.00 to the Senior Prom after-prom event which was very much appreciated by the parents and students alike. In addition, at the awards ceremony last Spring, we sponsored scholarships for five graduating seniors for their use for their college education.

All of this was possible primarily because of two large donations from our class.

In addition to that financial assistance, you should know that Wheaton is about to undergo a modernization which will basically change the Wheaton we knew as students. To make a long story short, after many meetings with the community, students, teachers, parents and staff, testimony was taken by the Board of Education as to the details of that modernization. More importantly, the big question was whether Wheaton was going to get a signature (magnet) program where students from around the County would come to Wheaton for that magnet program.

I am pleased to say that through testimony given by Wheaton parents and me, we have been assured that there will in fact be a signature program in Wheaton’s future, no matter what the modernization brings. For Kevin Lowndes, Principal at Wheaton, that was the main focus of our efforts and we have succeeded.

I would further tell you that those of us who have attended the awards ceremony at Wheaton or visited Wheaton for other reasons, we are very impressed with the students and their desire to succeed. It would be a shame if what our class has started would not be perpetuated, and in fact enhanced, as we move forward.

Accordingly, as the President of the WHS Educational Foundation, Inc., I am asking each of you to consider making a donation to the WHS Educational Foundation, Inc., to advance what has been started, but more importantly is needed for Wheaton to thrive the way it thrived when we attended Wheaton. Great things are happening in the school and I for one would very much like to be along for that ride. I hope you feel likewise. Any donation, no matter how small, will be greatly appreciated. We would love to see monthly donations, again in any amount. We are beginning to receive monthly donations.

If you are inclined to make a donation, simply write a check in the amount of your gift and make it payable to WHS Educational Foundation, Inc. We are a 501(c)(3) entity and therefore any of your contributions will be tax deductible. Upon receipt of a donation by you, you will receive a confirmation of that gift for tax purposes.

Our next challenge is to get other classes from Wheaton involved in our Foundation. That process has been slow but I am confident that over the next year we can get other classes to participate in our Foundation.

Should you have any question of me as President of the Foundation, please contact me at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or by mail or telephone. My office number is (301) 762-1696. My mailing address for your contributions is:

Paul Ethridge
ATT: WHS Friends
33 Wood Lane,
Rockville, Maryland 20850.

I am certainly aware that these are not the best of times to ask for contributions. However, anything you can donate as I previously said will be GREATLY appreciated.

Paul H. Ethridge

President, WHS Educational Foundation, Inc.