Faculty Honored With Top School Awards

Two Benjamin staff members were honored for their outstanding service and teaching excellence during a back-to-school meeting signaling the start of the 2026-27 school year.

Newly appointed Director of Bridge Programming Andrew Marsiglio received the Bank of America Excellence in Service Award, while Middle School science teacher Erin Gigele received the Peter and Jody Graham Distinguished Teacher Award, recognizing their dedication to students, colleagues and the broader Benjamin community.

“Through his unwavering attention to the care of our students, our parents, and our professional community, this year’s honoree embodies the notion of lifting others around him,” Head of School Dave Faus said in presenting the award to Marsiglio.

Faus highlighted Marsiglio’s work with prospective students and families as part of the Enrollment Team. From reviewing admissions files to communicating acceptance decisions, Marsiglio takes the time to listen carefully and understand each student beyond what appears on paper.

His support, Faus noted, extends well beyond his formal responsibilities.

“Often he is the first to respond with an email offering to cover a class, cover a duty,or volunteer around campus to help others,” Faus said. “You can see him bringing a tray of coffee he picked up to recognize someone who helped him out or to lift someone having a bad day. When our 8th Graders went to Peru, he bought classroom supplies for them to bring to the communities they were visiting. He volunteered to be our mascot — even on a 90-degree day at the 1st Grade end-of-year picnic because seeing our mascot makes those students happy,” Faus said.

Faus also praised Marsiglio for the countless quiet and often unseen tasks he takes on to make life easier for others across campus.

“Finally, simply have a conversation with him and know that you are being heard, seen, and understood,” Faus said. “In a world where so often others are merely waiting for their turn to talk, he genuinely listens, and he follows up.”

The Peter and Jody Graham Distinguished Teacher Award, presented annually to a Benjamin teacher for excellence in teaching and related responsibilities, went to Erin Gigele.

Gigele teaches seventh-grade marine science and eighth-grade accelerated science, combining rigorous classroom instruction with hands-on experiences that connect students with the natural world.

Through partnerships with the ANGARI Foundation and MANG Foundation, Gigele has created transformative learning opportunities, including shark-tagging field trips, drift-card releases, hydroponic mangrove cultivation and guest-speaker programs. Those experiences, Faus said, help foster a genuine enthusiasm for scientific discovery.

Her contributions extend well beyond the classroom. Gigele leads the Fishing Club, coaches middle school volleyball and serves as an advisor who incorporates community service into students’ experiences. She also plays a key role in planning and executing the school’s annual seventh-grade marine science field trip.

Perhaps most notably, Faus praised Gigele for her courage and composure during a medical emergency involving a student, when she administered life-saving treatment.

“By seamlessly combining academic excellence with steadfast composure, versatility, and unwavering loyalty to The Benjamin School, she protects, empowers, and inspires her students each day,” Faus said.

The opening program also recognized employees for years of service and welcomed new faculty and staff members. Faus additionally thanked employees who worked throughout the summer to prepare both campuses for the new school year, including the technology, admissions, facilities, business, development and communications teams.