Overlake Celebrates Founder's Day

The unofficial closing event of our 50th anniversary took place Friday morning as the entire student body along with faculty and staff celebrated Founder's Day. 

Founder's Day honors luminaries who have contributed through the years to the success of The Overlake School. 

We've included biographies for each of our honorees and video and photo links below.

Jean Orvis

Jean Orvis was hired in 1968 as a founding faculty member to teach French. In addition to French, Orvis developed the school’s Latin Program. She also taught music and drama using theater’s work ethic, discipline, and teamwork to help transform students’ confidence and self-esteem. 

Orvis chaired both the Languages and Performing Arts Departments before becoming the Upper School director. Upon leaving Overlake, she started the Seattle Academy of Arts and Sciences in Seattle. Since retiring from SAAS a few years ago, Orvis is now an independent school consultant.

Lawrence “Pat” Hughes

Lawrence “Pat” Hughes was a member of the Overlake Board of Trustees from 1970 to 1974 during the very early days of the school. During his time, Overlake was located in the basement of the Bellevue YMCA. The trustees used their business expertise and networks to keep the school going.

Hughes hired Dean Palmer as Head of School and was on the board when it made the decision to “stick their necks out” and purchase the Tall Firs Ranch in Redmond, Overlake’s current location, for $200,000. He is the father of Kevin (’87) and grandfather to Mark (’24), a current sixth grader.

Bruce Fisher (’72)

Bruce Fisher (’72) was the person responsible for starting the idea of Project Week, however when he proposed the idea, it was called “Make Your Own Point Day.” In 1970 Fisher wanted to create Super 8 videos and receive academic credit. Make Your Own Point Day developed into an opportunity for students to express their point in any media they chose, but it had to include a written compositional piece. Project Week was later born out of the desire for students’ and faculty’s interests and passions to take place at one set time.

While at Overlake Fisher co-edited the first Overlake Odyssey yearbook published in 1970-71 and was a member of Overlake’s first graduating class of 1972. 

Patti Meyers

Patti Meyers got to know Overlake through her children’s school experience as a parent to Andrew (’99) and Megan (’01). As a former College Registrar and Assistant Dean of Faculty, Meyers helped Overlake formalize many of its early academic policies. Meyers was Overlake’s first Registrar, as well as PFSA President, who co-chaired the school’s first auction to raise more than $100,000. 

With those experiences under her belt, Meyers went on to co-chair the Performing Arts Building capital campaign, as well as serve on the Board of Trustees from 1997-2005.    

Bob Wood

Bob Wood has taught, coached and mentored for 29 years at Overlake. He was first hired by then Head of School, Gus Favreau in 1985. The day he interviewed for the science position, he also interviewed for a boys’ basketball coaching position at the school. He got both and that began Wood’s long career at Overlake as coach and teacher.  

Wood also spent time as Head of the Middle School. He says Overlake was his career but also a big part of his social calendar, often taking advantage of concerts, athletic events or student clubs.  

Click here to view the event on our pixelot recording system.

Click here for a slideshow of the event.