It is with great pleasure that we announce the 2009 recipients of the Will J. Hancock Unsung Hero Award. Each one received the award at a ceremony at their school presented to them by their Head of School:
In my 25 years of heading five independent schools I have never worked with someone who is more a reflection of the culture and values of a school than Sally Amey. Sally’s sense of responsibility is immense. I don’t believe there is a job on campus that she hasn’t done. I have seen her substitute in the classroom, serve as a crossing guard, be school secretary and nurse, sweep the floors and pick up the folding chairs. She is at every event of the school: plays, admission nights, trustee meetings, dedications, memorials, the list is endless. Yet it is not just her physical presence that has made such a huge impact on the school, it is her sense of fairness, balance and integrity that guide her. The success of Epiphany School in the last ten years of doubling its enrollment, building new buildings, raising more than $20 million in capital campaign funds is in no small part a testament to Sally Amey’s hard work and leadership.
– George O. Edwards, Head of School 2001-2008
I have worked in education for over 35 years at three different institutions. While high-quality work done by the teachers and administrators is paramount to the success of a school’s mission, it sometimes goes unsaid how crucial is the foundational support of a mission-driven business officer. David is the best example of a mission-driven business officer that I have ever had the privilege of working with. At Jesuit Dallas, David Berend is “the man.” Approachable, appreciative to new ideas, his office door is always open, reinforcing his constant availability. He always has “super creative” solutions to almost any problem. He makes everyone feel important—no matter where in the organization they are. David never forgets that at the core of his role as Business Officer—where he manages business operations, the building and grounds, the financial management and associated meeting with Boards, inspectors, and auditors—is the student. The motto of our school is “Men for Others.” That very much represents David Berend.
– Mike Earsing, Principal
So many people in our community who have worked with Jan, whether they are teaching/support faculty members or volunteers on the Board, have expressed deep appreciation and admiration for her. She functions with a rare combination of skills and instincts that educate and lead but also support everyone with whom she has contact. She is as adept at relating to and managing people as she is with numbers. Her "demonstrated leadership" and "transformative effort" were dramatically in evidence as she guided the school in 1992 when it was almost one million dollars in debt to a positive balance sheet first, in just a few years, and eventually to an extremely strong financial position that the auditors affirm is rare in independent schools. Jan is modest, generous, and her voice never wavers beyond a range of just a few decibels. She is simply one of those rare people who have an influence on others and to whom others are drawn.
– Ellen Taussig, Head of School
Peggy came to our school 14 years ago to take over a business office that was not running perfectly regarding financial matters, and was asked to turn that around. She has more than done that part of her work, adding new office staff for HR, a controller, and streamlining our accounts. During that time we also more than tripled the endowment, which led to new Board committee work, and increased financial oversight on her part. In addition, the school has issued two separate multi-million dollar bonds, which Peggy has successfully shepherded through the entire process. Lastly, and probably most importantly, Peggy has overseen the biggest building program in the history of the school, which included a new roof, water suppression systems throughout our registered historic landmark building, an art center and gallery, a new dining facility, a new gymnasium, a new science and technology center, and renovations to a library and student study center...nothing less than the remaking of our campus facilities. Peggy is also a great colleague and a great community member at our school.
– Frank Steel, Headmaster
Ms. Higgins has not only been recognized as integral to the life of the School, but she has also been nationally and regionally acknowledged by the business profession itself. To highlight just one accomplishment, in 2007, the Architectural Award Program of the American Association of School Administrators honored Hockaday by presenting the School with the Circle of Excellence Medal for the design and construction of our classroom renovation. Ms. Higgins spearheaded this two-year project, which affected two entire floors of both academic wings in the main building. Under her direction, sections of classrooms and offices relocated in shifts, while our entire language department for Grades 5-12 held their classes for a full year in portable buildings clustered together on another part of the campus. From start to finish, Ms. Higgins directed this complex project; she received the award on behalf of the School. We could relate story after story like this of how she has contributed to the daily life of the School throughout her tenure.
– Karen A. Drawz, Assistant Head of School and Jeanne P. Whitman, Eugene McDermott Headmistress
Bob Simoneau has made an impression on all New Hampshire Independent Schools, not just Brewster Academy where he has been employed for over 20 years. He led the initiative in 1986 to establish a MEWA for New Hampshire Schools to collectively purchase health insurance. That group remains in place today, still saving money for schools. He's also played a huge role in making legislative change in the state, making municipal bonds available to independent schools. He also led the charge on property tax issues, benefiting us all. Bob's hard work will continue to benefit all independent schools onto the future. What better time then upon his retirement to recognize all that he has done for all of us.
– Jill A. Duncan, Business Manager, New Hampton School
Andy Whiteley's impact on Canadian independent schools has been inspirational. Over the years, he has participated on the Visiting Committees of ten school accreditation reviews with the Canadian Educational Standards Institute. In total, that is forty days that he has tirelessly volunteered to assist individual schools. Andy makes a point of finding the best in each school and making every person he contacts at the school feel significant. As a colleague on the Visiting Committees, Andy is always the one with the most entertaining stories and the most energy! When I ask other business officers to join a team, they will often mention that Andy has done so many that they feel they should join the team to give Andy a break! That kind of leadership is critical to the success of school improvement in Canada. Not only does he bring his wealth of experience and expertise to this kind of work, but he will always go above and beyond to research best practices. He is not afraid to ask tough questions and get the job done.
– Anne-Marie Kee, Executive Director, Canadian Educational Standards Institute