On the morning of April 30, applause filled Walker Auditorium as the community recognized anniversary milestones and staff and faculty award recipients, including the first Safe, Seen, and Supported honoree.
The Anniversary Awards are presented to faculty and staff members who have worked at the school for 25 years. This year, the honorees were as follows: Mr. Marc Dittmer, instructor in German; Ms. Carita Gardiner, instructor in English; Mr. Thomas Herold, instructor in English; Mr. Chip Lilley Jr., mechanic; Mr. Nate Seidenberg, instructor in history; and Mr. Fabio Witkowski, head of the visual and performing arts department and instructor in piano.
Mr. Charlie Frankenbach, dean of faculty, and Mr. John Bryant, director of facilities, delivered speeches about each of the recipients.
Ms. Diana Jones, administrative assistant to college advising, and Ms. Kristie Allyn, associate director of the Cynthia White Children’s Center, were awarded the Margot Hooker Award and Robert and Candice Barker Staff Recognition Award, respectively.
Mr. Jay Fails, campus safety & security officer, received the inaugural Safe, Seen, and Supported Award. The award was established this year by Ms. Kinyette Henderson, instructor in English, to highlight faculty members who meaningfully contribute to the school’s values of community and belonging. The decision was made based on the results of a community nomination form.
Mr. Fails joined the school’s security department seven years ago. He took over the crosswalk guard position last September. With the recent renovation of the Dining Hall and the establishment of the Ford Food Court, there has been an uptick in student travel across Sharon Road. During each of Mr. Fails’ crosswalk shifts, he engages in conversations with the constant stream of students. In his spare time, Mr. Fails works to memorize the school’s Names & Faces book, hoping to greet each student by name as they pass by.
Mr. Fails said, “I think the school has a really strong community with great students. My favorite part of the job is interacting with students and making sure they cross the road safely.”
Dr. Amber Douglas, associate head of school, invited Fails to the stage to receive his award from Mr. Craig Bradley, head of school. Mr. Fails said, “After receiving the award, I hung it in my bedroom. Now every day when I put my uniform on, it helps keep me going.”
