Darlington School honored outstanding faculty and staff members at the
Brown Faculty Appreciation Dinner, held Thursday, May 5.
James Douglas Brown Jr. Faculty Awards were presented to Flo Anthony, fourth-grade teacher; Susan Stout, Middle School P.E., Health and Drama teacher; Julia Dodd, Upper School chemistry teacher; John Cox, Upper School English teacher; and James Milford, head of house. Nominated by colleagues and selected by the president, headmaster and principals of the Lower and Middle Schools, 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.
This year’s
Beachum Master Teaching Award was presented to Diane Lumpkin, Lower School assistant principal, who was nominated by faculty and selected by the president, headmaster and principals of the Lower and Middle Schools. 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 (Thornwood Class of 1963), 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 Bill King, band director, who will retire at the end of the school year. Established anonymously in June 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 since 1962, and the recipient is selected by the president and headmaster.
Hanks Faculty Recognition Plaques were presented to honor former science teachers, Nell Chandler, John Cunningham Jr. (’40), George Dorsey, Lee Hamilton, William Judd and Samuel L. Robinson. Made possible each year by Dr. Daniel J. Hanks Jr. (’61), his wife, Adeline (’62) and their son, J. Daniel Hanks III (’99), this award honors former Darlington School teachers of a particular department, which is determined by a faculty committee. This award was established to remind current students of the legacy they enjoy on a day-to-day basis. To date, recognition plaques have been awarded to the departments of language, English, history, math and science.
Faculty and staff members were also recognized for their five-year anniversaries: John Cox, Greg Foreman, Jan Harrison, Jim Linos, Bob McGraw, Angie Milford, Laura Murray, Nathalie Nicolay-Welch, Wendy Payne, Joseph Pieroni, Randy Smith, Donna Watford, five years; Dan Bishop, Kevin Ivester, Kandi Riddle, Alyce Watson, 10 years; Patricia Ayer, Lucy Babcock, Janice Cox, Rob Davis, Diane Lumpkin, Diane Ogletree, Carlos Ortega, 15 years; Betsy Awsumb, Gus Bell, Kathy O’Mara, Dot Womack, 20 years; Elaine Smith, 25 years; Gloria Eberhart, Sally Rudert, 35 years.
Additionally, Life Trustee John Thatcher ('44)was recognized for his support and dedication to Darlington School.
