Mohawk House holds benefit for independent school

By Rose Sgarlato
SPARTA — The Nerds, one of New Jersey pre-eminent cover bands, is returning to the Mohawk House on Feb. 8 to help raise money for Hilltop Country Day School.
Proceeds from the event will benefit Hilltop Scholarship Fund. Doors open at 6 pm and tickets are $20 per person.
Founded in 1967 Hilltop Country Day School is celebrating a 50th Anniversary as Sussex County’s only independent school. Recently appointed Head of School, Kevin Folan said that creating educational access for families of all socioeconomic levels and diverse backgrounds is a major initiative for the private school.
“One of the key indicators of a great school, independent or public, is a diverse student body. Since learning does not just happen inside classrooms, the sharing of ideas from different backgrounds is critical in the intellectual and social development of our students,” Folan said. “Over the last several years Hilltop has worked diligently to make the school more affordable. This scholarship fund will create educational access opportunities for middle class families across Sussex County.”
Andy Fraser, partner at Laddey, Clark & Ryan LLP and chairman of the Board of Trustees for Hilltop is one of the event organizers. Fraser’s daughter Anna attends the school.
“Last year Hilltop gave out more valuable scholarship money then ever, and we continue that effort with this new fundraising initiative. We contacted Steve (Scro) to help us by providing this great space and coordinating the Nerds,” said Fraser.
Laddey, Clark & Ryan enjoys a great relationship with Mohawk House, but this is the first time that Mohawk House is partnering with Hilltop.
“I'm proud to support our neighbors in Hilltop as well as being an important part of investing in the future of our community," said Scro, owner of Mohawk House. "We invite everyone to come out and support this great event. When the community joins together, chances are we can move mountains. That's what motivates Mohawk House,“
Folan and his school community are excited about the upcoming event:
"I am so thankful to partner with the Mohawk House and The Nerds for this incredible event that serves a noble purpose," Folan said "The independent school education I received completely changed my life, and it never would have been possible without the financial assistance of generous, philanthropic donors. I have devoted my career to providing similar opportunities to students across the country and now in Sussex County. My family taught me from a young age that an incredible education can be a vehicle for socioeconomic mobility - they were right."
Tickets may be purchased the night of the Feb.8 event at the door or in advance at Mohawk House, Hilltop Country Day School or on-line at <URL destination="http://www.hilltopcds.org/. ">www.hilltopcds.org/.