Darlington School honored outstanding faculty and staff members at the annual Brown Faculty Appreciation Dinner, hosted by the Board of Trustees on Thursday, May 5.
The following faculty and staff members were recognized for their anniversaries: Jill Babb, Chris Babb, Tammie Braden, Jennifer Tullis, Bebe Zazzaro and John Zazzaro, 5 years; Chris Allen, Jean Bonnyman, Annie Camp, Lisa Goldin, Debbie (Brice) Greeson ('72T), Chris Holloway, Marcus Holmes, Melinda Holmes, Julia Hopkins, Renee Hutchins, Beth Pollard, Melissa Robinson and Chad Woods, 10 years; Angela Pieroni and Kim Tunnell, 15 years; Reba Barnes, Denise Evans, Stefan Eady and Stephanie Fleming, 20 years; Raymond Murray and Craig Schmidt, 30 years; and David Powell, 35 years.
Retiring faculty members Stephanie Fleming, David Powell and Craig Schmidt were celebrated for their service to Darlington.
Hanks Faculty Recognition Plaques were presented in honor of David Powell, English, and Craig Schmidt, history. Made possible each year by Dr. Daniel J. Hanks Jr. (’61); his wife, Adeline (’62T); and their son, J. Daniel Hanks III (’99), this award was established to remind current students of the legacy they enjoy on a day-to-day basis.
Beachum Master Teaching Awards were presented to Crystal Cleveland, Upper School Spanish teacher, and Justin Merriam, ELA-8 science teacher. They were nominated by faculty and selected by the head of school, the academic dean, and the division directors. The Beachum Award honors a member of the faculty who has accomplished something exceptional in his or her teaching, devoting time beyond the call of duty to students and to the teaching profession. This accomplishment may be in the form of extraordinary efforts to build student character or in the form of innovative programs. Established in 2004 by Mary (McCamy) Beachum (’63T), Robert A. Beachum (’94) and Julia Beachum, the Edward N. Beachum (’63) Master Teacher Award honors the Darlington alumnus and faculty member (1972-1989).
The George W. Awsumb Faculty Award was presented to Owen Kinney, Upper School science department chair. Established anonymously in 1999 by a Darlington alumnus, the Awsumb Award is presented to a faculty member who exemplifies a personal commitment to the education and well-being of the superior and average student alike. This commitment is demonstrated by the unselfish desire of the faculty member to instruct and challenge students in both a professional and enthusiastic manner and by the ability of the faculty member to raise the overall level of education and quality of life at Darlington. The commitment is further demonstrated by the unselfish giving of time and energy to many diverse extracurricular activities and by the ability of the faculty member to empower his or her students with self-confidence and instill in them the desire to learn while not only at Darlington, but also for a lifetime. The award is given in the spirit of George W. Awsumb, Darlington faculty member from 1962-2009, and the recipient is selected by the head of school.
James Douglas Brown Jr. Faculty Awards were presented to Stephanie Bradshaw, ELA-8 science teacher and girls' Soccer Academy assistant coach; Denise Evans, executive assistant to the director of student life; Laura Hicks, ELA-8 Teaching and Learning Center director; Kevin Hunt, Upper School P.E. teacher, head track and field coach, and assistant football coach; and Julie (Wilson) Lucas ('97), director of development. Nominated by colleagues and selected by the head of school, the academic dean, and the division directors, a Brown Award recipient is one who has served the school well, in a competent and skillful manner, and one who has an interest in and a dedication to his or her work with the school and with the students. Brown Awards are endowed by Mr. and Mrs. James Douglas Brown of Ozark, Ala., in memory of their son, James Douglas Brown Jr.
Departing faculty and staff were also recognized, including Caitlin Alexander, Sarah Beachum, Darla Betts, Jean Bonnyman, Hannah Decatur, Rebecca Duren, Josh Hembree, Mano Hernandez, Chris Holloway, Yensen Lambert, Scott Lohmeyer, Katie Loomis, Melissa Robinson, Ellen Ryan, Mary Sessions, Grey Simpson and Melja Watkins.
