Daughters, and Donuts, and Dads, Oh My!

On a blustery December morning, nearly 300 GPS girls and their dads (and grandfathers, uncles, or friends) gather in Caldwell Commons to enjoy donuts and conversation. Presented by Parent Council, the Daughters and Donuts event is the first one hosted on campus, and the robust response called for a second order of donuts earlier this week.

“The girls seem excited to have their dads here, and you can tell the men are enjoying it, too,” says Julie McGee, who coordinated the event as a member of Parent Council.

The purpose of GPS Parent Council is to create a sense of community for all parents in order to support the girls and their careers at GPS. Daughters and Donuts allows the girls and their dads an opportunity to be on campus in a fun and relaxed environment before the start of the school day.

Treasurer of the GPS Board of Trustees and dad to eighth graders Clayton and Kennedy, Clay Watson says he is pleasantly surprised at the turnout. “It’s a busy time of year, so it’s encouraging to see so many dads here,” he says. Not only does he enjoy talking to other GPS dads, but he is also taking an opportunity to catch up with his daughters’ friends. “Whenever you can get folks on campus, it’s a big deal. And it doesn’t hurt that the donuts are so good.”

More than 450 donuts and 300 donut holes from Julie Darling Donuts—with Bruiser blue icing, of course—and fresh fruit grace the tables along with coffee, juice, tea, and Chef Brad’s special hot cocoa made with the good stuff—heavy cream and pure vanilla extract!

“By gathering dads together on campus across all grades, we’re giving them an opportunity to socialize and network they might not have had before,” says Coughlin Cooper ’88, Assistant Director of Special Events and Parent Engagement.

Here’s to the girls and the dads and men who support them! We are glad you visited with us today. Please enjoy the photos here on our SmugMug account that you can download for free or order for a small fee.