Chairs of Excellence
Gill St. Bernard’s School is defined not only by the excellence of its programs, but by the people who bring those programs to life each day. Our faculty and staff shape the student experience through their teaching, their care for one another, and their commitment to the broader life of the school community.
It is in recognition of these contributions that we are pleased to affirm the Chairs of Excellence Recognition Program, a schoolwide tradition that honors outstanding members of our faculty and staff. This program includes two distinct annual awards: the Chair of Excellence in Teaching and the Chair of Excellence in Community. Together, these honors reflect a core belief of Gill St. Bernard’s School—that excellence in education is both instructional and communal, and that both are essential to a thriving school. Each recipient is recognized with a captain’s chair, a modest stipend, and public acknowledgment at Commencement.
Chair of Excellence in Teaching
The Chair of Excellence in Teaching is a longstanding tradition at Gill St. Bernard’s School and remains one of our most meaningful recognitions of instructional excellence. A faculty member may receive the Chair of Excellence in Teaching only once.
The criteria for the Chair of Excellence in Teaching include, but are not limited to:
Leadership: Demonstrates leadership in working with students and colleagues.
Creativity: Brings imagination and innovation to instruction, lesson design, and assessment.
Enthusiasm: Inspires students through genuine energy, presence, and love of teaching.
Sensitivity: Recognizes and responds thoughtfully to student needs for support and encouragement.
Professionalism: Supports student growth, independence, and confidence with high expectations and care.
Role Model: Serves as a respected example for students and colleagues.
Past Chair of Excellence in Teaching Award Recipients
| Name | Year | Division |
|---|---|---|
| Jean Loizeaux | 1992 | MS |
| John Ripton | 1993 | US |
| Kathy Maisano | 1994 | US |
| Ralph Hays | 1995 | US |
| Brett Marshon | 1996 | MS |
| Irv Taylor | 1997 | US |
| Peggy Lowe | 1998 | LS |
| Susan Rankin | 1999 | LS |
| Sue Hone | 2000 | LS |
| Toni Brescher | 2001 | MS |
| Barbara Ripton | 2002 | US |
| Sara Swartz | 2004 | LS |
| Len Grabowski | 2005 | US |
| Mary Tuohy * | 2006 | LS |
| Larry Bortian | 2007 | US |
| Ellen McCann | 2008 | LS |
| Denise Konner | 2009 | MS |
| Ronna Storm | 2010 | US |
| Bob Orr | 2011 | MS |
| Anne Wilson | 2012 | LS |
| Teri Cosentino | 2013 | MS |
| Paul Canada * | 2014 | US |
| Joanna Hayes | 2015 | MS |
| Diane Lipnickey * | 2016 | LS |
| Ed Brown | 2017 | US |
| Fred Corona * | 2018 | US |
| Janet MacDonald | 2019 | LS |
| Noreen Syed | 2020 | MS |
| GSB Faculty (COVID) | 2021 | ALL |
| Frank Corrado * | 2022 | MS |
| Manny Hercules * | 2023 | US |
| Sarah Isusi * | 2024 | US |
| Andy Lutz * | 2025 | US |
| Lynn Prosen * | 2026 | LS |
* Indicates Current Faculty Member
Chair of Excellence in Community
The criteria for the Chair of Excellence in Community are grounded in GSB’s five core values:
Courage: Builds internal strength to persevere, take appropriate risks, and view challenges as opportunities for growth.
Integrity: Demonstrates honesty, trustworthiness, and consistency in all community interactions.
Respect: Practices fairness, courtesy, and empathy, contributing to a diverse and inclusive community.
Compassion: Offers care, understanding, and meaningful support to others across the school community.
Excellence: Upholds high standards in community life and models responsibility and professionalism.
In addition, nominees for the Chair of Excellence in Community should demonstrate GSB’s commitment to a diverse and collaborative community that values both individual and collective talents. Central to this award is a spirit of service to the GSB community, rooted in a generosity of spirit that strengthens the school through personal investment and care for others.
Past Chair of Excellence in Community Award Recipients
| Name | Year | Title |
|---|---|---|
| Kristen Armstrong | 2026 | Head Librarian |
*Indicates Current Faculty or Staff Member