Why Not?

Gene Festa fondly remembers his time teaching Spanish and Perspectives and Human Development at Kinkaid for 29 years. He feels the School remains special because of Mrs. Kinkaid’s legacy. “The love people have for tradition and excellence in education has remained. For me, I was given the opportunity to teach in a wonderful environment, with great students, parents, and peers on the faculty. I always felt 100% supported in all that I did.”

Although the many students he taught remain the highlight of his career at Kinkaid, he cherishes being awarded the 2002 Columbiana Award, which recognizes excellence in teaching, and being named a Distinguished Honorary Alumnus in 2008.

After his retirement in 2010, Gene moved to San Antonio to be near his daughter and grandchildren. He stays busy by being active in his community as a deacon in his church, President of the Chorus Band, a docent and speaker at The Holocaust Memorial Museum of San Antonio, and volunteering at the Food Bank and the Medical Center.

However, he is most proud of the Hill Country Retreat Theater Group that he started in his adult community. Gene has acted as well as directed the plays. “I have watched it grow from nothing to a very active and important group in our community.” In his spare time, he likes to read and write and has recently tried his hand at becoming an artist.

In addition, he says, “Daily exercise is an important part of my day, and I enjoy walks on the ten miles of trails in my community. Shortly after retiring, I ran a Senior Triathlon...my one and only!” He has also visited all 50 states—38 states since retiring. This man of many interests even finds time to roast his own coffee beans for the best tasting coffee!

When asked why he has chosen to support Kinkaid through a gift in his will, Gene replied, “I would say, why not? I am grateful for what I received from the School from the very first day I met John Cooper and his wife many years ago on a hot summer day. From that very moment, up to the day I received my rocking chair and saw my portrait unveiled at a retirement celebration, I felt welcomed and valued. In all the years in between, I feel I received much as well as had a chance to give much.”

The Kinkaid School is grateful for the many lives Mr. Festa enriched during his tenure and is especially grateful for the legacy of excellence that will continue due to his generosity.

Like Gene Festa, you can ensure future generations experience all that Kinkaid has to offer with a gift in your estate plan. To learn more about your options, contact Lisa Wood at (713) 243-5023 or lisa.wood@kinkaid.org.