May 27, 2015
During the 50th Commencement Exercises the three highest faculty awards were presented by Head of School, Mr. Aaron Schubach. Later in the week, those faculty/staff completing 10 years of service to the school were honored with 10-year chairs. Thank you to the incredible faculty/staff who works tirelessly to advance the mission of the school and to positively impact the lives of students.
Sarah H. Elizabeth Hoiles Outstanding Faculty Award
Sarah Hoiles graduated from CSS in the class of 1994. In July 1997 the school established an annual faculty award in her name. Sarah’s sister, Gail Hoiles Sanchez , class of 1998, was welcomed to the podium. Gail described the award created in honor of her sister, Sarah Hoiles.
“The recipient of this special award has taught at CSS for at least 3 years and has provided exemplary service to the CSS community. During his/her tenure he or she has demonstrated commitment above and beyond the standard job requirements and has advocated for CSS both on and off-campus. Not only does he or she show an enthusiasm for teaching, but also for learning. The Sarah Elizabeth Hoiles Outstanding Faculty Award is presented to the faculty member whose service, commitment, and enthusiasm serves as a role model for all faculty and students at The Colorado Springs School.”
As stated by Aaron Schubach, Head of School, “This year’s award winner is known amongst her peers as a thoughtful and masterful communicator. She treasures collaborating with others and supporting learning and personal growth in her students. This year she initiated an innovative new program in the Children’s School – 21st Century Friends’ Groups. Under her leadership and direction, older students act as mentors and role models to younger children.
In addition to her skills as a counselor, this individual is also a master teacher. Thanks to her work, our students begin their love of world languages and culture early in their academic careers. A natural adventurer, she has a deep passion for the Spanish language and Latino culture and she regularly travels to Spanish speaking countries during the summer. Helpful and hardworking—with an overall positive, optimistic attitude that is admired by her peers, she regularly makes herself available to take on additional duties and to assist her peers.
Elaine Humphries is the winner of the 2015 Sarah H. Hoiles Outstanding Faculty Award.”
Edward E. Ford Foundation Excellence in Teaching Award
This award is given to a faculty member who has taught at CSS for a minimum of five years, epitomizes CSS’s concept of teaching, is committed to the growth and learning of students both in and out of the classroom, is an example to other teachers and has devoted a significant portion of his or her time to classroom studies.
“There is no doubt that the 2015 recipient of the Edward E. Ford Foundation Excellence in Teaching Award is a masterful teacher. Not frequently satisfied with the status quo, he enjoys innovating and collaborating with his peers as seen in the recent picket fence project in statistics. His peers remark that “he pushes students academically in and out of the classroom” and that “he demands a lot out of the students, and they respond.” The leader of KICS (Kodiaks in Community Service) Club, he inspires our students to serve our community and to understand and participate in the world of philanthropy and non-profits. A well-rounded academician, the quality of his Experience Centered Seminars is renowned among current students, alums, and faculty. From Wall St to Main St, Marine Biology in Bonaire, and next year’s STEM ECS are just a few of the seminars he has lead in recent years. Like his Math and Economics courses, his Experience Centered Seminars are defined by high expectations, academic rigor, and the type of inquiry that stretches students to do their best work. I can certify that his Experience Centered Seminars are excellent because I have had the good fortune to be a co-leader with him, on his very first ECS in 1999!
Dr. Paul Young is the 2015 recipient of the Edward E. Ford Foundation Excellence in Teaching Award.”
Mary Flynn Flemke Leadership in Education Award
The Mary Flynn Flemke Leadership in Education Award recognizes outstanding individual accomplishment in the education of students and the advancement of the school. The award is given to a faculty member who leads by example, who is fiercely loyal to the school, who exceeds the traditionally high standards of our faculty, who combines the managerial skills to make sure that things get done with the leadership skills to make sure the right things get done.
“The 2015 winner of the Mary Flynn Flemke Leadership in Education Award is a natural leader who inspires nearly every student and colleague with whom she works. One of her colleague remarked, “She can also always be counted upon to get things done and to do them well.” A highly innovative and effective math teacher, she is known for her ability to make this at times challenging subject come alive for her students. She simultaneously challenges and supports every student. Her impact on and contributions to students and the school certainly don’t stop there. She leads Middle School Student Council, teaches Yearbook, and is one of the faculty members who volunteered to lead the new RULER program next year. In addition, she will take on the role of head coach of Middle School girls Volleyball.
Her ability to respect and communicate with her students and colleagues is what makes her such an effective teacher and leader. Another colleague remarked that, “students trust her and that is a huge deal in middle school.” Over the course of any given day students check in with her for advice on topics ranging from algebra, to managing their busy schedules, to improving their relationships with their peers. Or perhaps they are looking for something as simple as a candy treat and a smile.
Misti Johnston is the winner of the 2015 Mary Flynn Flemke Leadership in Education Award.”
10-Year Chair Ceremony
Following end-of-year ceremonies and during teacher in-service days, 10-year chairs were presented to those faculty who have dedicated 10 years of service to the school. This year, Mrs. Libby Leachman (Kindergarten), Mr. Brent Moorhead (Band) and Mr. David Benson (History) were celebrated.
