Dwight-Englewood's 2011-2012 Faculty, Staff and Trustee Dinner, held recently in Silberfein Gym, provided much to celebrate.  Between the five faculty members receiving awards for their work this academic year, the 13 faculty and staff being recognized for their many years of service, and the five faculty and staff retirees who will be completing their D-E journeys this month, the event held up to tradition.

The evening began with an introduction to the school's Board of Trustees, with recognition of board members whose terms were complete as well as new members who had just been voted on in the Trustees' final 2011-'12 meeting prior to the dinner. Also honored was a new Trustee Emeritus  - Karen Silvera, former Board President and current Major Gifts Officer for Dwight-Englewood School.  Silvera is also the parent of alumna Gabrielle '10, recent graduate Michelle '12, and current students Lauren '15 and Eric '19.

After the dinner was served by the School's own FLIK Dining Services, the four annual awards were presented, this time to five faculty members, beginning with the Carskadon Award for teaching excellence to Upper School History teacher John Stott. A mentor to teachers and students alike, according to Head of School Dr. De Jarnett, John teaches "what it is to be human, from gender relations to cultural identity, [as well as] to think globally." A point person for the 9th grade curriculum who also aided in the creation of the World History course in the late 1980s, John can teach nearly every class the History department offers -- except, perhaps, Economics -- and can impart both reading and writing skills to all who study with him.

Next was the Williams Award for Creative Excellence, which "funds the pursuit of creativity and innovation", to Upper School Mathematics teacher Gary Middleton. As someone who "can't wait to share and teach how to use technology," Dr. De Jarnett notes that Gary utilizes "technology tools to move things closer to where we imagine they should be. Technology in his hands is the means to expedite... learning." Former parent Charles Williams, who along with wife Pam established the award in memory of his own parents' love of education, was on hand to present the award to Gary.

The third award of the night, the Geralyn Kossman Award that recognizes a faculty member's "contributions to all aspects of the life of the school community", was given to Mimi Garcia, Middle School Social Studies teacher who is "completely absorbed in the life of the school that she returned to coaching while in her maternity leave," said Dr. De Jarnett. A three-sport coach who is also a current Spanish student at D-E, the "upbeat, smart and focused educator" received the award from Geralyn Kossmann's daughter, alumna Cici Kossmann Wilkinson '80.

Only in its second year of existence, the Rebecca Blackwell Award was presented to two relatively new teachers this year for their "pursuit of excellence in teaching, commitment to lifelong learning, and great promise reflect the passion for education that exemplifies the career of Rebecca Blackwell." Patti Barrett's Problem of the Week gives something the kids can look forward to, while her involvement in the diversity initiatives at the school as well as MAGIC proves how Patti is "there for [the students] even if they're going to drive her insane," said Dr. De Jarnett. Junia Kim was also awarded for her "creativity, spontaneity and resourcefulness," according to Dr. De Jarnett, as her focus is always on the students, always giving them time and having them shine in her class.

Thirteen members of the school's faculty and staff were then honored for their 15 to 35 years of service, either being introduced by a colleague or by Dr. De Jarnett. Reaching their 15-year mark are Lower School Assistant Principal Susan Abramson, Preschool 4 teacher Teresa Cali, Chair of Visual Arts and Art History Gregg Emery, Upper School Administrative Assistant Christine Hazarian, Accompanist Janet Montroy and Upper School Science teacher Marco Pagnotta. Lower School Spanish teacher Sandra Harrison was recognized for her 20 years of service, while Registrar Patricia Frigeri, Upper School Photography teacher John McCabe, Special Events Director and Associate Director of Development Bea Movsesian, and Grounds guru George VanHaasteren were honored for their 25 years. As for 35 years of service, Upper School English teacher Jerald Krauthamer and Middle School Athletics Director C. Christian Schmid were recognized.

Last but certainly not least, this year's five retirees were lauded for their tenures at D-E, which Head of School Dr. Rodney V. De Jarnett noted is more than 130 years in total -- actually more than the nearly 125 years that D-E has been in existence.  Registrar Patricia Frigeri, Lower School Librarian Carla Healy, Middle School Science teacher Diane Langmuir, Upper School English teacher Nancy Melser, and Upper School Science teacher Roberta Schwartz were also celebrated at a reception in their honor on Leggett Field on May 30th, with former and current faculty and staff, as well as former students, in attendance.

Special thanks to Flik Dining Services and Patricia Dore, Executive Assistant to the Head of School, for a delightful, enjoyable evening, despite the thunderstorm that rolled through during the awards presentations!