On Tuesday, December 2, Mr. Richard Davis and Ms. Davida LaCosse were awarded The L. Blair Torrey Jr. ’50 Chair and The Audrey May Mars Teaching Chair, respectively.

Mr. Craig Bradley, head of school, gave opening remarks before Ms. Shannon Clark, dean of faculty, offered personal comments and anecdotes on both recipients.

Mr. Davis, dean of academics, instructor in Latin, and head coach of varsity sailing, has taught at the school for 19 years. Ms. Clark highlighted his notable contributions to the school including his time as secretary to the faculty and work with the trustee committee as they rewrote the school mission. She said, “Looking through the varied and challenging work he has taken on, I see Mr. Davis as the sort of person who simply steps up when he sees a job that needs doing or a problem that needs solving.”

Ms. LaCosse has taught at the school since 2022. She is an instructor in biology and chemistry and oversees the theater tech cocurricular. Previously, she has also coached girls JV squash and tennis and served as dorm head of Baechle–Ayres. Ms. Beth Smithey, head of the science department, offered high praise for her colleague. She said, “Ms. LaCosse is the ultimate team player, rolling up her sleeves to mentor and support other teachers.”