Over the next five years, the Daniel Pearl Foundation will donate $100,000 to Daniel Pearl Magnet High School’s music and science programs.

Dr. Judea Pearl and Ruth Pearl announced this donation at the June 9 commencement ceremony. Initially, the donation was going to be $20,000 to the designated programs.

“The programs initiated by the Daniel Pearl Foundation promote international understanding through journalism, music and dialogue,” the Pearls said in an email interview. “We regard the Daniel Pearl Magnet High School to be an inspiring educational arm within our mission by preparing the next generation of leaders with integrity, critical thinking and a deep commitment to serve society.”

Principal Deb Smith plans to use some of the money to purchase new instruments for the music program. It isn’t certain how the money will be applied to the science program, but science teacher Stephen Schaffter said that the department needs computers and funding for labs.

“It’s tough to have science with a lack of equipment,” Schaffter said.

In addition to the money going to the music and science departments, Smith plans to set aside some of the money to the annual Daniel Pearl Scholarship that’s awarded to a graduating senior who plans to study journalism or communications in college.

“Additionally, we hope to see special programs instituted which would give each student a broad and informed vantage point from which to view the pulse of the 21st Century. Two specific such programs in which (we) have personal interest are: the history of science and Holocaust studies,” the Pearls said in an email.

Along with the benefits that will affect the students, Smith and the Pearls hope that this generous donation will catch the eye of the other potential donors.

“We hope that our modest gift will inspire more supporters to recognize the great potential of your school and perhaps to look into starting more schools like the Daniel Pearl Magnet High School,” the Pearls said.