Monday, September 29 marks the start of the 2025–2026 Puma Fund, our annual, community-wide fundraising drive. Kristen and Dylan Cohon are thrilled to serve as Puma Fund co-chairs alongside Adam Jossem and Moani Russell. The Cohons are passionate about UPrep’s commitment to a well-rounded student experience. They have an 8th grader, Naomi ’30, and a 5th grader who hopes to become a Puma next year. Below, they share how UPrep has impacted their family—and why they encourage every parent and guardian to help reach this year’s goal: $1.3 million and 100 percent participation.

Why is UPrep a good match for your family?

Kristen: UPrep offers so many ways for students to try new things, learn what fits, and discover where they thrive—and where they need to stretch. That’s exactly what we want for both of our girls.

Dylan: UPrep families have real pride in their school. We wanted to be part of a community that shares that pride because it strengthens the school and enriches the experience for everyone. We also value how well-rounded UPrep is; we’re confident it gives our daughters the best chance at a smooth transition through adolescence and into young adulthood.

What does Naomi love about UPrep?

Kristen: Everything Naomi has tried at UPrep has been positive—even when it doesn’t become her “thing.” She loves how safe it feels to try something new. Whether it’s a sport, a community-time opportunity, or an affinity group, she knows she’ll have support from teachers and peers, and it’s always worth trying.

Dylan: It’s clear UPrep is the right fit for Naomi. She’s taken advantage of lots of offerings, built solid friendships, likes her teachers, and enjoys her classes. She’s having a wonderful experience and feels a lot of Puma pride.

What do you both love about UPrep?

Dylan: We wanted an independent school where parents are eager to give their time, their resources, or both. That energy makes the school feel vibrant—and students feel it. The vibrant community here translates into stronger learning and a richer overall experience on campus.

Kristen: As a parent who likes to pitch in, I feel like I have a valued role at UPrep. The school appreciates how I show up, and I’ve loved bonding with other Puma parents who find volunteering rewarding.

Why do you donate to the Puma Fund, and why do you encourage others to do so?

Kristen: Reaching 100 percent participation is a vote of confidence in our community. It’s not about a specific dollar amount—it’s about participation and celebrating that we’re all fortunate to be here together.

Dylan: Tuition covers a lot, but a strong annual fund powers so many experiences beyond the classroom. When we look at where our household spends money, we never regret investing in our kids’ education and well-being. For us, that includes the Puma Fund, and we hope other parents and guardians will see it the same way. 

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