Did you know that there is a non-profit, charitable organization on campus? The Royal Pride Foundation was established exclusively to place additional funds into programs at San Marcos because of deficits in state and government funding. The purpose of Royal Pride Foundation is to raise funds for San Marcos through grants, events and donation drives.Royal Pride Foundation raises money through community engagement and support to provide an exceptional learning environment for all San Marcos students. They envision a school where all students feel supported and inspired to reach their highest potential. They were founded in 2013 by former Principal Ed Behrens, which means this year is their 10th year anniversary! 

“Since the inception of RPF, we have invested over four million into San Marcos High School!” said Karen Callanan, Executive Manager of Royal Pride. “We have helped many programs on campus including athletics, Madrigals & Encante, band, AVID, King’s Page, Industrial tech, Special Education, English, PE, Spanish Heritage, Campus Beautification – new trash cans, fences, sanitation machines and so much more!” 

RPF is actively running the Royal Care Closet which allows students here to “shop” for clothes, shoes, and personal care items at no cost to their families. Students can even expect to see items such as vouchers to local clothing stores, grocery gift cards, auto repair shops, and plumbers. Royal Care Closet essentially adds a resource at school that will build students’ emotional, physical, and educational well-being. RPF is also excited to announce the Building Community Wellness Campaign. The campaign aims to:

1. Construct a healthcare industry-standard facility to house the Health Careers Academy, a program of excellence training much-needed future healthcare professionals.

2. Create a wellness complex that will house a comprehensive school-based mental health program for our students.

3. Build physical and programmatic structures that promote collaboration between the Health Careers Academy and Wellness Center, including exploration of new healthcare career pathways. 

Building Community Wellness is a truly transformational project not only for SMHS, but also for our local community.

RPF  typically has two major fundraisers a year, their Fall/Winter Appeal and their annual Benefit. The benefit theme this year is ‘Benefit on the Bayou,’ with Andrew Firestone as the MC of the live auction. This year it will take place April 21, 2023 at the Hilton Beachfront Hotel. They encourage parents to make a donation or attend the benefit event in order to support San Marcos students. 

For more information about RPF and their annual Benefit, please contact Karen Callanan [email protected] 805-967-4581 x. 5562, visit their website www.royalpridefoundation.org and find them on Instagram and Facebook @royalpridfoundation.