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Geoff and Patricia Ellis have served on the Night of Champions Committee since its beginning. They chaired the last event along with their son Connor. He attended the school for 10 years before his graduation in 2014, and the school holds a special place in the family’s heart. At the 2019 gala, Connor shared his experience via video and garnered the loudest and most sustained applause of the evening.

“Connor’s time at the League School were some of the best years of his life,” said Patricia Ellis. “He quickly assimilated into the school’s programs and generally thrived for the next 10 years. The adage – we gave them a boy and they gave us back a man – certainly applies.”

The Friends of League is a talented group of professionals who share their knowledge and expand the school’s network of ambassadors and advocates. Supporting the League School is important to the Ellis family. “As the incidence of autism spectrum disorder continues to increase, programs such as The League School must continue to grow,” said Geoff. “It takes funds to continually upgrade the programs, equipment and technology as well as maintain a highly qualified and engaged staff of teachers, specialists and administrators.”

The Ellis family found the school at the recommendation of their town’s school district. “Once we realized that public middle school wasn’t working, we received a list of possible specialized schools to visit,” said Geoff. “We saw several programs, but once we toured the League School and talked with staff and administrators, we knew this was the place for Connor.”

The Ellis family has lived in Dedham for 30 years. Patricia worked for 20 years at CVS and for 10 years as a teacher’s assistant at the Dedham Early Childhood Education Center. She now is the primary caregiver to Connor and her mother. Geoff has worked for CVS Health for almost 40 years and has held several positions with the company. He currently works as Category Manager for financial services products offered at the stores. He is also an Event Planning and Logistics Lead Volunteer for Autism Speaks New England.

Patricia and Geoff are looking forward to this year’s League School Night of Champions Gala. “The event shines a light on the school and some special people and institutions who go above and beyond to further the reputation of League School,” said Patricia. “It has been our honor to serve on the Host Committee since the first Night of Champions.”