Elgin Phillips, a senior at University High School, reflects on the generosity of support he’s experienced as a Trailblazer. For Elgin, University has been more than a place to learn—it’s been a place where teachers go above and beyond, helping him find his voice and grow as a person.
One teacher who has had a profound impact on Elgin is history teacher Chris Bradley. During his sophomore year, Elgin found U.S. History’s writing assignments particularly demanding. But Mr. Bradley noticed those challenges. “I remember during morning meeting, Mr. Bradley asked me to chat. He recognized I needed help,” Elgin explains. “When we met, he didn’t just reteach the material. He helped me think critically about what I needed to improve, asking what I could do differently. He made sure I understood the content, but he also encouraged me to reflect on how I was approaching things.”
That generosity of support continued beyond the classroom. At University’s 25th Anniversary Gala, Elgin gave a speech introducing Trailblazer Award honoree Tim Nation. Afterward, Mr. Bradley came to congratulate him. “He told me how much joy it brought him to see me becoming the kind of person he wants to see come from University,” Elgin recalls. “He grew emotional as he spoke. It meant so much to me to know how much he cared.”
This generosity—of time, attention, and support—has defined Elgin’s University experience. From the teachers who stayed late after practices to help him improve, to the mentors who offered guidance when he was feeling unsure, the community helped him find his voice. “When I came here, I wasn’t the most confident,” Elgin admits. “But being in a place where teachers and classmates genuinely support you makes a huge difference. I feel seen, heard, and valued at University in a way that I might not have somewhere else.”
For Elgin, University High School has been more than a place to learn—it’s been a community that has given him the support to grow into the person he is today. “The generosity of everyone at University has helped me become confident about my place in the world.”
As we celebrate 25 years of generosity, your gift to the U Fund helps ensure that University High School continues to be a place where every student is valued, nurtured, and given the opportunity to thrive. Join us in the spirit of generosity by making a gift today.