Photo: SMA Col. Christina Bowman & Cadet Ghermyia Anderson

In December, cadets from Sarasota Military Academy (SMA), a local, public charter school, received an opportunity from a donor, Ms. Phyllis Siskel, to earn $50,000. Siskel, a long-time supporter of SMA, announced plans to match all contributions to the Academy up to $25,000. However, when $41,000 was collected, Siskel decided to match the additional funds for a total of $82,000 raised.

When Siskel brought this unique opportunity to raise $50,000 with her $25,000 match, SMA staff and cadets began raising awareness through social media and email campaigns. The original goal of matching Siskel’s donation was achieved before the end of 2019, and as the goal was quickly surpassed, Siskel responded with an update to her original match. 

“Being involved with Sarasota Military Academy has been an incredible blessing, and I’m proud of the impact this Academy has in our community,” said Phyllis Siskel. “It is so important that we give back to organizations we believe in. Whether it is time or money, find a cause that you believe is worth supporting and do your best to help them succeed. My hope through this gift is to teach others about giving, while supporting the wonderful staff and cadets at SMA.”

"A woman of gold always leaves a trail of glitter; Ms. Siskel shines of all colors, especially gold!" said cadet Ghermyia Anderson, a sophomore at Sarasota Military Academy.  

Throughout her involvement with SMA, Siskel has donated her time and energy, along with generous funds, to the Academy’s high school and Prep middle school campuses. Her donations have assisted in providing classroom materials, opportunities for extracurricular activities, cafeteria equipment, and more, and she is known to staff and cadets for serving lunch in the cafeteria and assisting around the school.

Photo: SMA Col. Christina Bowman & Cadet Ghermyia Anderson