Collegiate Honors Faculty and Staff for their Ingenuity and Care

8/21/2024

Collegiate is happy to honor the recipients of the Ann Griffin Award for Excellence in Teaching, the Andrew Jackson Brent Award, the Anne Jones Award, the Clarence B. Williams Fund, and the Martha Elizabeth Schwarz Award.

The Ann Griffin Award for Excellence in Teaching is given in honor and in tribute to Ann’s 39 years of teaching at Collegiate. This stipend will be awarded to a deserving member of the Collegiate Upper School faculty. It will enable the recipient to explore, plan and implement innovative teaching methods.

The following remarks were made by Head of Upper School Patrick Loach at the Opening of School Meeting, held August 2024.

When speaking with students, I often ask them to tell me about a teacher who made a difference during their time in the Upper School. I remind them to think of someone who they not only liked, but someone from whom they learned a lot.

This year’s recipient is one that is named frequently and consistently year-to-year. When I ask why, the students use words like amazing, great, and awesome. I ask them to tell me more.

They explain that this teacher makes learning another language fun and that when the bell rings they are surprised that class is over and that they don’t want to leave. They love that she comes to class with a clear plan every day and that she is organized and doesn’t miss a beat.

From all of this, I infer what I already know because I have heard the same from now-graduated students and seen it for myself. This recipient cares deeply about her students, is passionate about the Spanish language and Hispanic culture, and is committed to her craft.

Our recipient is a dynamic teacher who shares her passion with students with the goal of not only learning the language well, but also developing a deep appreciation for the many cultures that exist in the Spanish-speaking world.

It is my pleasure to honor Upper School Spanish teacher Elsie Bustamante with the Ann Griffin Award for Excellence in Teaching.

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In 1997, the family and friends of Jack Brent, a longtime parent, grandparent and Life Trustee of Collegiate School, established a teacher award in his honor. The recipient is to be a full-time career teacher who exemplifies the teacher, coach, mentor, counselor, friend model that is so vital to independent schools.

The following remarks were made by Head of Upper SchoolPatrick Loach at the Opening of School Meeting, held August 2024.

A few years ago, our award recipient approached me about returning to the classroom. He had been in another position at the School, but he missed the daily connection with students and the intellectual and creative challenge of designing compelling classes.

He had been coaching, but he acknowledged that he missed the classroom a great deal and wanted to return when there was an opportunity. It was our good fortune that not long after, a position opened, and we hired him without hesitation.

As both teacher and coach, he is known for his kindness and care, his ability to listen with patience and without judgment, and his genuine commitment and concern to his students’ intellectual growth, his athletes’ physical evolution, and for all his students, their moral development.

His dedication to his subject matter is evident through his enthusiastic teaching style and his efforts to bring in guest speakers, including fellow teachers and Collegiate alumni, to enrich his students’ learning experiences.

As a track and field coach, our award winner’s commitment is equally impressive. The Head Coach of the boys team for two demanding seasons, he skillfully manages the logistics, personalities, and competitions of more than 100 athletes each season.

Please join me in congratulating Brent Miller as this year’s Brent Award Winner.

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The Class of 1977 established this endowment fund in celebration of their 25th Reunion and in appreciation of the Collegiate staff who contribute to this School’s daily operations and mission. The award is named in memory of longtime Upper School receptionist Anne Jones, the first recipient.

The following remarks were made by Head of Upper School Patrick Loach at the Opening of School Meeting, held August 2024.

If someone wanted to create a compelling reality TV show, they might try to follow this year’s award recipient as she spends her day running around and running the Upper School. (If you were wondering, it isn’t me.)

They would quickly realize that there is not much she doesn’t do in a day. In the morning, she prepares the Upper School for the arrival of the students and faculty. Her day begins with a multitude of phone calls from parents.

While this is happening, students are arriving late to school and have come to the front desk looking for a note, hopefully she will check “excused.” She often does, because like the namesake of this award, this year’s recipient gives them the benefit of the doubt.

When a teacher needs something, they ask her. Need something new in your classroom? She will find it and order it. Need a form, a schedule, the answer to a perplexing question, advice, a Band-Aid? She has it or will figure out how to get it for you. When she is not running the Upper School, she is helping Missy Herod run two of our highest profile events: Pageant and Commencement.

That would all be enough to recognize her for her commitment to the School, but those are not the most important things she does. Her greatest contribution is to truly know the students. She knows our students and knows when other people need to know something about them to make sure they are cared for.

When Anne Jones retired as Upper School Receptionist, this year’s recipient succeeded her. She seemed like a somewhat unlikely choice, for at the time she was working in technical theater in Oates. But then-Upper School Head, Jon Brougham, a man of great wisdom, knew what was most important: to find someone who truly cared about the students. It was a great decision!

Please join me in congratulations Julie Miller, this year’s Anne Jones Staff Award winner.

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In 1994 the Clarence B. Williams Fund was established by Burrell Stulz in memory of her father. The endowment funds an award that recognizes outstanding work performed in “special” academic areas by resource teachers in the Lower School.

The following remarks were made by Head of Lower School Debbie Miller.

In the Lower School, the words “kind” and “dedicated” are frequently used to describe this year's Clarence B. Williams Award recipient. She consistently demonstrates a quiet and composed demeanor while providing unwavering support to every student throughout the academic year. Her selfless commitment to the Lower School, coupled with her deep understanding and genuine care for our students, sets her apart.

This recipient possesses a natural affinity for working with young children, exhibiting exceptional skill in communicating and engaging with our youngest learners. Entering her classroom, one immediately senses a serene and invigorating atmosphere, reflective of her enthusiasm for teaching. She adeptly employs a diverse range of teaching methods to inspire creativity and excitement among her students.

By introducing advanced vocabulary and techniques, she challenges her students to meet her high expectations. Her lesson plans seamlessly integrate grade-level curriculum with themes of inclusivity and belonging, fostering meaningful connections for her students. Her commitment is also visible in the way she proudly displays student artwork in the hallways, garnering praise from parents and community members alike. Her dedication to her role transforms the Lower School environment, allowing student work to shine and creating a vibrant, enriching atmosphere. She warmly welcomes colleagues and visitors into her classroom, showcasing her pride in her students’ work and her passion for teaching.

The Lower School deeply values and appreciates the warmth and care she brings each day. Please join me in congratulating Lisa Anderson, the 2024 Clarence B. Williams Award recipient.

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In 1985, Martha Schwarz, a former Lower School teacher, established an award to recognize a deserving Lower School teacher. To be eligible for consideration, the teacher must have been teaching in the Lower School for at least seven years. A teacher may only receive this award once.

The following remarks were made by Head of Lower School Debbie Miller.

Throughout the campus, whether in classrooms, corridors, or any other setting, this year’s recipient consistently engages in meaningful conversations with students, colleagues, and parents. Her unwavering dedication and passion for prioritizing our students’ welfare resonate clearly through her cheerful and supportive demeanor. Her enthusiasm for teaching is palpable in her daily interactions, fostering an environment where students eagerly anticipate collaborating with her and exploring innovative problem-solving approaches.

Within her classroom, there is a steadfast emphasis on student learning, underscored by frequent hands-on experiences and dialogue aimed at eliciting and nurturing their thought processes. She is a collaborative and meticulous team player, known for her proactive planning and supportive nature. These exceptional qualities synergistically contribute to the joy experienced by her students.

Her true passion for teaching and science radiates daily, infusing her classroom with excitement and a palpable eagerness to share her lessons. By integrating Responsive Classroom practices, she has cultivated a cohesive learning community where mutual respect and engagement thrive. Known for her adaptability, she embraces innovation to continually inspire students and sustain their enthusiasm for learning.

Please join us in congratulating this year’s recipient of the Martha Elizabeth Schwarz Award, Kim Smythe, for her tireless commitment to empowering students to take ownership of their learning journey.

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