Jeff McDaniel, PE instructor and coach, received the Michael G. Murphy Stewardship Award during Open House. It is the top award given to faculty and voted on by the faculty. Established in 2004 by the board of trustees in honor of Michael G. Murphy, head of school from 1994-2004, the award is presented annually to a faculty member, who by vote of the faculty, generously exemplifies the qualities of stewardship at Bright School, especially a commitment to service over self-interest; a commitment to collegiality, partnership and teambuilding; and a commitment and willingness to assume responsibility and accountability for the well-being of Bright School.

Coach McDaniel, and his wife Mausi, are the parents of two current students, Brayden and Cohen. He began teaching at Bright in 2015. He also coaches cross country and track for grades 3-5. Coach McDaniel organizes track meets at the school. He also began a new PE program for junior pre-kindergarten students and a new tradition, the fifth grade vs. faculty basketball game in which students bring food for the Chattanooga Area Food Bank in order to get the best seats at the game.

Other awards at Open House:

Librarian Elizabeth Oakes presented the Mary Cherry Library Volunteer Award to Pam Williams, grandmother of three current students: Chloe, Luke and Max. She has become such a fixture in the library and around school that students simply call her "P."

Employees celebrating 10-year anniversaries:

Christy Lusk, assistant head of school for curriculum and instruction
Paul Davis, director of facilities
Stacie Helton, director of after school sports

Emily Hon '86 was honored for teaching 20 years, and Denise Cooper, who is retiring, was recognized for her 14 years at Bright.

Open House Honorees 2018