Darlington School honored outstanding faculty and staff members at the annual Brown Faculty Appreciation Dinner, hosted by the Board of Trustees on Thursday, May 4.
The following faculty and staff members were recognized for their five-year anniversaries: Stacy Albers, Carolyn Brearley ('99), Matt Enderle, Natalie Ferguson, Strom Mull ('06, LD '12), Taylor Owens, Jennifer Thoem, five years; Al Shorey, 10 years; Brant Evans, Ashley Evans, Mike Hudson ('94, LD '18), 15 years; Madge Crawford ('84), 20 years; and Tommy Atha, 30 years.
Retiring faculty member Tommy Atha was celebrated for his service to Darlington.
Beachum Master Teaching Awards were presented to Carrie Watterson, fourth-grade teacher, and Rebekah Kinney, professional development coordinator. They were nominated by faculty and selected by the head of school, the assistant head of school for academic resources, 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 Melissa Smyly, Upper School English teacher. 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 Kim Bell, head of Regester House; Natalie Ferguson, chief financial officer; Derek Fine, director of IT and network administrator; Andrea Shiera, pre-K to 5 Spanish teacher; and Patrick Collier ('08), middle grades history teacher. Nominated by colleagues and selected by the head of school, the assistant head of school for academic resources, 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.
Betsy and Gordon Neville Faculty Awards were presented to Sam Moss ('63), dean of college guidance; Kathy O'Mara, Upper School art teacher; Tommy Atha, assistant athletic director; Beth (Bagby) Smith ('87, LD ’12), pre-K teacher; Kevin Ivester ('87), middle grades math teacher; and Stefan Eady, assistant head of school for academic affairs. Established in January 2021, the Betsy and Gordon Neville Faculty Award is awarded to distinguished members of the Darlington School community who have served the school for 25 years. This award is given in the spirit of Betsy and Gordon Neville, who together served Darlington for 44 years. The Nevilles wholeheartedly believed in the mission of Darlington School and cared for all members of the community. Their years of service reflect the profound dedication, loyalty, and love that they had for Darlington.
Departing faculty and staff in attendance were also recognized, including Kristen Bell, Andrew Beckman, Carolyn Brearley ('99), Leigh Hadaway, Reid Owens, Taylor Owens and Abby Wiseman.
Click here for photos from the event.
