The annual Faculty & Staff Celebration, held under the big tent on Leggett Field, closed out the school year in a meaningful and festive way, honoring both personal accomplishments and the work of our teaching and staff community as a whole. In addition to employees, members of the Board of Trustees were also in attendance, and all thoroughly enjoyed a D-Electable spread of globally inspired food stations prepared by Chef Alex Stanko and the D-E Dining Services team.
The event program kicked off by recognizing those employees who have achieved major milestones of 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, and 45 years of service to D-E. Sustained standing ovations were given for staff members Ms. Alice Rollo (D-E Admissions) and Mr. Charlie Beckford (D-E Facilities Dept.), who together have contributed an incredible 75 years of service to the School.
Head of School Dr. James Calleroz White P’27, ’28, ’33 (Dr. CW) then recognized faculty with special individual awards. Ms. Emma Brandow, Upper School Latin & Classics Teacher, received the Blackwell Award, recognizing “a faculty member in the early stages of their teaching career,” for her “joyfulness” and “unwavering commitment” to her work. For his “profound” impact on students and colleagues alike, his devotion, and his ability to make classrooms a place of joy, longtime faculty member and coach Mr. Fred Daly P’20 was named the recipient of the Carskadon Award for Teaching Excellence. Lower School Health & Wellness Teacher Ms. Kimberle Franco was named the recipient of the Williams Award, for “meeting students exactly where they are and having given so much across so many grades.” Finally, Mr. George Perez P’22, ’27 (D-E Facilities Evening Manager) was recognized as the recipient of The Geralyn Kossmann Award and was commended for being entirely “behind the scenes but essential to daily life” at D-E, and possessing amazing “generosity of spirit” for his “above and beyond” creative work as a contributing artist to Swartley Art Gallery Exhibits and this year’s HOPE Fashion Show.
Following an enthusiastic response to all award winners, the event closed with equally joyful but bittersweet moments, as retirees were individually recognized by way of remarks from their current and former colleagues. The invaluable impact of retirees Ms. Mary Cushman P’20, Mr. Fred Daly P’20, Ms. Diane Christian, and Mr. José Miguel Moracho was made clear through comments about the personal lessons provided by these individuals during their tenure. Along with some tearful moments and periodically hilarious anecdotes, the remarks provided served up a poignant, reflective, and memorable experience. Dr. CW concluded the celebration by presenting each retiree with the gift of a handmade bell, each one “distinctly different and reflective of their unique personality and spirit.” He added, “when you hear your bell, we hope that the sound brings you back to a place that loves you, and that someone, somewhere, is still thanking you.”
Congratulations and thank you to all our faculty and staff, trustees, individual awardees, and retirees, for another year of inspired teaching and learning, and through which our mission to “as a community of learners…make it better” has made a meaningful difference in the lives of our students and families. Have a great summer everyone!
