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Karen Perkins Founder's Day Awardee
Sanford School celebrated its 95th anniversary by honoring beloved Middle School educator Karen Perkins with the 2025 Founder’s Day Award.
Sanford School celebrated its 95th anniversary with a campus-wide Founder’s Day assembly honoring one of its most dedicated and beloved educators, Karen Perkins, who received the 2025 Founder’s Day Award in recognition of her 45 years of service to the Sanford community.
For more than four decades, Mrs. Perkins has been a cornerstone of Sanford’s Middle School. From her early years as an art teacher to her longtime role supporting students and faculty as assistant to the head of the Middle School, she has inspired generations through her creativity, kindness, and tireless commitment to helping every student shine.
Head of School Jaime Morgan ’02 reflected, “Karen embodies the heart of Sanford. Her care for students and colleagues, her artistic spirit, and her devotion to this community have shaped the Sanford experience for countless families. It’s hard to imagine the Middle School without her warmth and wisdom.”
During the assembly, current students shared heartfelt tributes that captured Mrs. Perkins’s influence and humor.
- Eddie Macleod ’30 called her “the superhero of the Middle School—part security guard, part detective, and part mom all rolled into one.”
- Phoebe Burke ’30 described her “household arts” class as a place where “you can learn to sew, bake the best batch of Ethel sugar cookies, and keep laughing the whole time.”
- Cammie Opher ’26 added, “Speaking with Mrs. Perkins came effortlessly, as she truly invested herself in understanding you as a student, giving thoughtful advice or continuously distributing at least one heartfelt compliment a day.”
The event also featured remarks from Ceil Baum, former Admissions Associate, who said, “Karen has inspired generations of students with her expertise in the classroom, innovative approach, and high standards of excellence.”
In accepting the award, Mrs. Perkins expressed deep gratitude to her colleagues, students, and guests, saying, “This school is a community that I love, and I hope that you all feel that love today.”
The Founder’s Day Award is given annually to a member of the Sanford community whose service and dedication exemplify the school’s founding motto, No Talent Lies Latent.
Photos by @izmaddystudios/Ted Rosenthal
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