Peter Sullivan, a lifelong resident of Wilton and High Mowing School (HMS) alum has announced a significant donation to High Mowing School on behalf of himself and his late wife, Felice Fullam. The donation is expected to be provided at a future date through his estate and managed by the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation.

The Peter C. Sullivan and Felice Fullam Fund for High Mowing School will provide scholarships for local boarding and day students, support the early childhood “Vittles for Littles” program for preschool and kindergarten students and provide funding for the tuning and upkeep of pianos. The funds may also be used to support mental health programs, early childhood equipment and supplies and Model UN activities.

“Peter and Felice’s generous gift brings together two things dear to their hearts -- High Mowing School and the children who live in and around Wilton,” stated Head of School Katherine Meyer. “High Mowing has served as an important educational and cultural institution in the Monadnock region for more than 80 years. Peter and Felice’s gift will allow deserving students from Wilton and the surrounding towns to benefit from the education that was so meaningful to Peter and Felice.”

Sullivan attended Wilton-Lyndeborough schools before graduating from High Mowing School in 1974. He credits Beulah Hepburn Emmet, HMS founder, as an early mentor. He reconnected with his alma mater in the early 2000s when Fullam suggested that the couple attend the annual May Day festival at HMS.

After many years away, he felt welcomed by faculty member Mrs. Karl, the sweeping views of the Wapack range over Frye Field and the vibrant campus life. Since that time, he has often visited the campus to connect with current faculty and administrators. He enjoys sitting in the Big Room to play the grand piano, which he previously donated to the school.

Since that initial visit, Fullam also developed a connection with High Mowing School when she took a position as an early childhood assistant at the lower school, then Pine Hill Waldorf School. She prepared favorite foods for the children, including “kindergarten soup” -- a vegetable soup featuring potatoes carrots, and other vegetables chopped and peeled by the children.

“Felice and I didn’t have children, yet she always thought of all the children in Wilton and at High Mowing School as her own,” Sullivan stated. “For years, we talked about how to help more children attend the school that we both love, and we are grateful to High Mowing and the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation for their creativity in establishing a fund that will make it possible for many local children to attend High Mowing School for years to come.”

The future gift, which will be made to the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation as part of the estate, also includes funding for the Peter C. Sullivan and Felice Fullam Community Fund to support worthy community programs and services and nonprofit organizations (especially children’s libraries) that serve Wilton and surrounding communities. Additional funding provides scholarships for nursing students.