As the 2010-'11 school year came to a close, select members of the D-E faculty, staff and Board of Trustees were recently recognized.  During an annual awards dinner in Silberfein Gym, retiring individuals and those celebrating significant years with Dwight-Englewood were honored along with recipients of special awards for creativity and other exceptional teaching careers with the School. 

Head of School Dr. Rodney V. De Jarnett initially recognized four faculty members who received prestigious School awards.  English teacher Joan Maffetone received the Carskadon Award, honoring full-time faculty members who have taught at least three years and "who have enriched the lives of their students and colleagues through their devotion to the art and skill of teaching."   The Williams Award was awarded to Middle School Math Department faculty member Paul Jung D-E '94 for his demonstrating "creative excellence in the classroom." The Geralyn Kossmann Award was given to Lower School Science teacher Beth LeMire, recognizing her "special contributions to all aspects of the life of the school community over a period of years."  Middle School teacher Lisa Graham received the newly-created Rebecca Blackwell Award.  This award was established this year in recognition of Rebecca Blackwell, beloved and respected assistant Head of School, Middle School Principal, Language Department Chair, and language teacher, who has served D-E for 45 years.  The Rebecca Blackwell Award recognizes a member of the D-E faculty in the early stages of his or her teaching career, whose pursuit of excellence in teaching, commitment for life-long learning, and great promise reflect the passion for education that exemplifies Blackwell's extraordinary career.   Middle School teacher Ben Fleisher was named as the winner of the Ralph E. Sloan Fellowship Award, in recognition of his proposal to develop a virtual reality game and digital interactive teaching tool, integrating information about key periods in history, economics, philosophy, and literature.

Outgoing Board of Trustees President Karen Silvera Aboodi next read a letter from Catherine McIntire Leslie, who was unanimously voted in by the Board as a new Trustee Emeritus, but was unable to attend the dinner.  Board members whose terms are now complete were also recognized.  Karen Silvera Aboodi, Steven Abrams D-E '70, Alexis S. Cooperman, Allison J. Davis, Jennifer Kang, Kathy Leventhal, and Christine Campos Semsel '86 were each presented with a commemorative Dwight-Englewood chair for their exceptional support and commitment to the School.

Those individuals who are recognizing milestone years of service with Dwight-Englewood were then honored.  Maureen Krane, Diane Langmuir, and Alice Rollo were each honored for their 15 years of service;  Facilities Department member James Dusenberry and Lower School Librarian Carla Healy were each recognized for their 20 years with D-E; and Kathleen ("Kay") Montanaro was honored for her 25 years of service.

Dr. De Jarnett was lastly joined by select members of the faculty and staff to pay special tribute to those retiring from the School:  Marcia Strongwater, who has served D-E for 33 years; Frimi Sagan, who has taught within the English Department for 43 years; and the afore-mentioned Rebecca Blackwell were each honored and presented with Dwight-Englewood chairs.  Together these three individuals represent more than 120 years of service to D-E -- an incredible commitment.

See above for photos from the event.