Distinguished Teaching and Service Awards Presented

8/6/2020

Head of Middle School Charles Hagy announced Middle School English teacher Denise Ponchock as the recipient of The Peter and Jody Graham Distinguished Teacher Award during a virtual opening day ceremony in Benjamin Hall on August 5. The annual award is presented to a Benjamin teacher who has demonstrated excellence in the performance of all teaching and related duties, in addition to unwavering dedication to students, hard work, loyalty to the school, and selfless extracurricular contributions.

Hagy said Ponchock has been described by colleagues as an excellent teammate, always there when needed, and a tireless worker with high standards for students. Students, according to Hagy, said Ponchock helped them to do things they never thought possible - and with a smile.

Of the many notes he has received over the years in praise of Ponchock, Hagy said the most memorable landed in his inbox this Spring in the midst of a global pandemic.

“Out of a school of extremely fine educators, who all rose to meet the multiple personal and professional challenges posed by the pandemic,” wrote this parent, “this teacher stands out - and alone - is worth the price I paid for tuition this year.”

Chief Financial Officer Leslie Downs presented The Bank of America Distinguished Service Award to Technology Integration Specialist Matt Morrow, who was described as an intuitive problem solver. Morrow, according to Director of Technology Russ Tepper and anyone who knows him, makes a team better for being on it.

“To say he has a friendly demeanor would be to understate his personality by quite a margin,” said Downs from remarks prepared by Tepper.

The Bank of America Distinguished Service Award is presented annually to a faculty or staff member who has exemplified dedication, hard work, and loyalty to the School.

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Distinguished Teaching and Service Awards Presented

Main Address & Lower/Middle School

Upper School