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Parent Choice awards Ogletree
Apr 2, 2002 8:00 AM
By Stefan Eady - Faculty
Unselfish dedication and superior role-modeling are some of the familiar phrases used to describe Middle School secretary Diane Ogletree, the first recipient of the Parent’s Choice Award, presented to her on March 28 in Morris Chapel.
“There could not have been a better choice as the first recipient of this award. I hope no one ever asks me to write down a job description for what Diane does. I don't think it is possible. Her greatest strength here for us is her relationship with the kids. She is their substitute mother, nurse, confidant, mentor, friend,” Middle School Principal Jim Van Es said. “She keeps me on task and somewhat organized –something that is not easy to do. I have a very high regard for her as does the faculty. All of us in the Middle School are delighted that she has been recognized in this special way.”
Ogletree, a 1968 Thornwood graduate, has worked for Darlington three different times: as secretary to John Cunningham, director of admission, 1973–74 and 1977–78, and then she returned in 1992 to serve in her current position as secretary to Middle School Principal Jim Van Es.
“When I first worked for Darlington, I was secretary to Mr. John Cunningham. It was just the two of us. I married that summer and Patti Barron took the job for three years. She wanted to start a family and I returned to the admissions office in May of 1977. I promised Mr. Cunningham one year because we wanted to start our family. I worked until mid June of 1978,” Ogletree explained. “I returned in July 1992 as secretary to Mr. Van Es and have been here ever since. In my opinion, I have worked for two of the finest men in the School.”
Diane and her husband Bob are the parents of two Darlington alumni Elizabeth ’99 and Bob ’97 and Darlington freshman Fletcher Ogletree.
The Parents Choice Award was established by the Parents Association to recognize, with a monetary gift, a Darlington Upper or Middle school faculty or staff member who is an inspiring role model, someone who makes a positive impact on the student body through insight, leadership, and wisdom. Parents and alumni submitted nominations to the Parents Association for review.
“There could not have been a better choice as the first recipient of this award. I hope no one ever asks me to write down a job description for what Diane does. I don't think it is possible. Her greatest strength here for us is her relationship with the kids. She is their substitute mother, nurse, confidant, mentor, friend,” Middle School Principal Jim Van Es said. “She keeps me on task and somewhat organized –something that is not easy to do. I have a very high regard for her as does the faculty. All of us in the Middle School are delighted that she has been recognized in this special way.”
Ogletree, a 1968 Thornwood graduate, has worked for Darlington three different times: as secretary to John Cunningham, director of admission, 1973–74 and 1977–78, and then she returned in 1992 to serve in her current position as secretary to Middle School Principal Jim Van Es.
“When I first worked for Darlington, I was secretary to Mr. John Cunningham. It was just the two of us. I married that summer and Patti Barron took the job for three years. She wanted to start a family and I returned to the admissions office in May of 1977. I promised Mr. Cunningham one year because we wanted to start our family. I worked until mid June of 1978,” Ogletree explained. “I returned in July 1992 as secretary to Mr. Van Es and have been here ever since. In my opinion, I have worked for two of the finest men in the School.”
Diane and her husband Bob are the parents of two Darlington alumni Elizabeth ’99 and Bob ’97 and Darlington freshman Fletcher Ogletree.
The Parents Choice Award was established by the Parents Association to recognize, with a monetary gift, a Darlington Upper or Middle school faculty or staff member who is an inspiring role model, someone who makes a positive impact on the student body through insight, leadership, and wisdom. Parents and alumni submitted nominations to the Parents Association for review.
