The Trailblazer Awards Gala is a celebration of University High School, its students, its families, and its core values. The biennial event features a silent auction, a wine and bourbon pull, a dinner, and an awards presentation honoring local community leaders.

The highlight of the gala is the presentation of the four Trailblazer Awards and one Webster Award. Each of the Trailblazer Awards represents the core values that have grounded and defined University High School throughout its history. The Webster Award celebrates innovation in education.

University High School will celebrate its sixth Trailblazer Awards Gala on Saturday, November 12, 2022 in the Randolph H. Deer Special Events Pavilion at Newfields.

Primarily, the focus of the Trailblazer Awards Gala is a celebration, but yes, we anticipate generating income from the event through a silent auction, a wine and bourbon pull, sponsorship, and a request for gifts and pledges during the event.

Proceeds from the gala benefit University High School’s daily operations. Gifts will go directly to bridging the “gap” – which is the difference between what we charge in tuition and the real cost of educating a University High School student. The difference per student is approximately $5,000.

Here is a basic outline of the 2022 Trailblazer Awards Gala. (All events were held in Randolph H. Deer Special Events Pavilion at Newfields):

• 6:00 p.m. — Check in, silent auction, and wine and bourbon pull open
• 7:00 p.m. — Dinner is served
• 7:15 p.m. — Silent auction closes
• 8:00 p.m. — Awards ceremony begins
• 10:00 p.m. (approximately) — Event ends; silent auction check-out begins

The 2022 Trailblazer Awards Gala Menu

First Course

Artisan lettuce, goat cheese medallions, petite French pear, candied walnuts, pomegranate vinaigrette (GF)

Served with assorted rolls and Lemon rosemary flatbread with sun-dried tomato butter and Indiana butter ball (GF options provided for guest’s with gluten allergies)

Main Course

White balsamic marinated chicken, roasted tomatoes, fresh basil, smoked mozzarella mornay (GF)

Served with green pea and spinach parmesan risotto (GF) and roasted zucchini, yellow squash, onion, peppers, asparagus, garlic herb olive oil (GF/DF)

Dessert

Raspberry mousse with dark chocolate curls and fresh strawberries

GF = gluten free
DF = dairy free
Special meals available upon request.

There was truly something for everyone in the silent auction at the 2022 Trailblazer Awards Gala. View all the items in the 2022 silent auction guide.