Darlington School honored outstanding faculty and staff members at the annual Brown Faculty Appreciation Dinner, hosted by the Board of Trustees on Thursday, May 8.
The following faculty and staff members were recognized for their five-year anniversaries: Dr. Mike Natarella, Matt Nolin, five years; Cristy Baldwin, Shelley Daniel, Derek Fine, Virginia Guth, Matt Larry, Julia Thomas, Becca Wood, Lindsay Woods, 10 years; Christie Atkins, Paul Bell, Jennifer Kelley, Darcy Liddle, Steve McConnell, Matt Peer, 15 years; Bebe Cline, Jody Deaton, Leslie Finley, Eddie Guth, 20 years; John Cox, Wendy Payne, Randy Smith, 25 years; Kevin Ivester ('87), 30 years; and Kathy O'Mara, 40 years.
Retiring faculty members Vicki Vincent and Christie Atkins (not in attendance) were celebrated for their service to Darlington.
The Laura Woodard Hicks "Sonshine" Award was presented to Heather Shores, Upper School history teacher. The Laura Hicks "Sonshine" Award was established in July 2024 by her loving husband, Wendall, and sons, Sawyer ('15) and Gibson ('19), to recognize and honor the teachers in the Darlington School community who live like Laura and bring sunshine and light to the classroom every day. This award is given in the spirit of Laura Hicks, who served Darlington as The Director of the Learning Center in the Pre-K to 8 division for five years. Laura believed in the mission of Darlington School and loved every student, teacher, and parent in the Darlington Community. Her passion, energy, and zest for life inspired every member of the Darlington Community, and this award honors those who teach each day like Laura did.
The Beachum Master Teaching Award was presented to Bebe Cline, fifth grade teacher. She was nominated by faculty and selected by the head of school, the assistant head of school for academic affairs, 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 Jordan West, Upper School librarian. 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 Chris Allen, Upper School counselor; Kevin Hunt, assistant athletic director; Leah Lynn, technology integration coordinator; Ali McDermott, technology support specialist; and Reilly Thomas, middle grades science teacher. Nominated by colleagues and selected by the head of school, the assistant head of school for academic affairs, 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 Stefan Eady, assistant head of school for academic affairs; Kevin Ivester ('87), middle grades math teacher; Kathy O'Mara, Upper School art teacher; Beth (Bagby) Smith ('87, LD ’12), pre-K teacher; Carrie Eady, director of human resources; Owen Kinney, science department head; John Cox, Upper School English teacher; Wendy Payne, Executive Assistant to the Director of Pre-K to 8; Randy Smith, head of Summerbell House; and J.J. Beebe ('86), maintenance manager. 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 Kerri Nagle, Becca Wood, Kimi Pichardo, Betina Fuentes, Drew Besson, Ellie Sherrod, and Barbara Kuckhoff.
Click here for photos from the event.
