D-E celebrated its teachers and staff recently, during the annual Faculty & Staff Lunch under the big tent on Leggett Field. D-E 360° campers kicked off the festivities with a drumming performance, led by Middle School Music Teacher Jean-Marie Collatin, ahead of opening remarks from Interim Head of School Preeti Fibiger P ’24, who thanked all of those at the school who have put in 10, 20, 25, 30, 35, and 40 years of service. 

Ms. Fibiger also presented The Blackwell Award to Science Teacher Andrea Bautista, The Carskadon Award for Teaching Excellence to English Teacher Diane Christian, the Williams Award for Creative Excellence to PreK 4 Teacher Nicole Taranto, and The Geralyn Kossmann Award to Transportation and Calendar Coordinator Jackie Simon. The next year’s Leggett Umpleby Series speaker was subsequently announced: English Teacher Fred Daly will present “The Arc of Shakespeare Tragedy,” which will address the playwright’s ongoing relevance. Then, D-E retirees World Language Department Chair Bill Biondolino, Music Teacher John Littlefield, Lower School Nurse Maureen Krane, and 8th Grade Advisor Liz Traub were honored. Each retiree had comments made about them in memorable ways, including the performance of a Paganini string duet from Annaliesa Place and Diego Garcia. (And save the date: Having served D-E for 40 years, Ms. Traub will also be honored with a classroom dedicated in her name at the October 2025 Alumni Reunion.)

As part of her personal remarks, Ms. Fibiger gave thanks to the school community for their continued support as she fulfilled her transitional role. She also implored those gathered to “think about what you accomplished this year” and expressed gratitude to them for “always showing up in the service of our students.” We couldn’t agree more—and wish all our faculty and staff an amazing summer!