Teacher Appreciation Luncheon Honors Faculty Members

The luncheon featured the recipients of three of Sanford’s prestigious teaching awards. The Donovan Award, established in 2011 in memory of German instructor Paul Donovan, honors “a member of the Sanford faculty who has been distinguished in their work in the area of professional development.” This year, Head of School Mark Anderson presented the Donovan Award to Physical Education instructor Shannon Helmecki, in recognition of her efforts to “push her department to become stronger” and continually “modeling a healthy approach.” Shannon will receive a stipend to use at her discretion.

The Dagenais Award for Leadership in Action was established last year to recognize a “member of the Sanford faculty who has distinguished themselves through their spirit of leadership and passion for their profession.” The award was created through donations by the Sanford community in recognition of the exceptional careers of retiring faculty Sue and Andre Dagenais. The second Dagenais Award went to Chemistry teacher Donna Farrar, in particular recognition of her excellent mentorship of new teachers in her department.

The Johns Award for Excellence in Teaching was also established last year to pay tribute to retiring History teacher Lloyd Johns, upon his retirement from 35 years of exceptional teaching. The award was this year presented to Christine DiUbaldo, who has demonstrated “an exemplary commitment to teaching and learning” in her third-grade classes.

This year’s three retirees—Jane McConnell, Merrilee Mose, and Christine Yasik—were presented with framed pictures as well as a slightly more permanent gift: engraved bricks that will be laid in the Quad walkway. The Head of School also recognized the contributions of the eight other departing faculty members—Nora Martin, Ali Kornfeld, Nathalie Cecil, Michelle Dresser, Renee Hall, Amy Haury, Mark Wagner, and Jon Roberts—and presented them with engraved boxes.

The luncheon also took the opportunity to honor faculty and staff members celebrating “anniversary years.” Becky McCudden received a pin for her five-year anniversary. Alex Ball, John Fritz, Renee Hall, Beth Kosinski, Sarah Kuwik, and Patrick Martin, all celebrating ten years at Sanford, received paperweights. Pewter plates were given to Delroy Beckford, Frank Lindsey, Bruce Pill, Jon Roberts, and Donna Sherpa for 15 years of service to the school. Tom Whipple and Loren Yates received desk boxes for 20 years; Chris Mosberg and Rich Yates, each of whom have 25 years of service, received pewter bowls; Heidi McGregor was given a clock in recognition of 30 years at Sanford. Finally Sanford stalwart Jackie Pitts received a silver necklace in recognition of an incredible 55 years spent on campus.

The Home & School Association provided the lunch and did their part to honor the faculty with a unique gift. Led by Sanford parent Jackie Leo, the committee coordinated a drive to collect school supplies to be donated to Valley Youth House, a Pennsylvania nonprofit organization that serves abused and homeless youth and their families, in keeping with the “Pay It Forward” theme of this school year.

Congratulations and deepest thanks to our incredible faculty. Those leaving us will be missed: best wishes, and we hope to see you again soon!