PK teacher Emily Hon '86 is the winner of this year's Jack McDonald '45 Service Award, and KEC instructor Sue Lyman was presented with the Michael G. Murphy Award.
During Open House for students and their families, teachers and volunteers were honored. PA President Dorothy Caplenor thanked the officers and volunteers for their hard work this year and turned over leadership to next year's president, Ginger Thomas.
Suzan Robinette was given the Mary Cherry Library Volunteer Award. Mrs. Robinette graduated from Bright in 1967 and is now a grandmother of a current student.
These teachers were recognized for their years of service:
Five Years of Service: Rachel Berger (Junior Pre-K), Rachel Blanton (Director of Student Services), Jill Johnson (Pre-K)
Fifteen Years of Service: Paul Davis (Director of Facilities), Stacie Helton (After School Sports Coordinator)
Twenty Five Years of Service: Emily Hon (PK)
Michael G. Murphy Award: Sue Lyman (Kilbride Enrichment Center) This award was established in 2004 by the Bright School Board of Trustees in honor of Michael G. Murphy, headmaster from 1994-2004. It 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
The Jack McDonald ’45 Service Award is not normally presented at Open House. It was started during the Bright School Centennial and named for Jack McDonald, a lifelong supporter of the school. This award is given to alumni who have contributed significantly to the welfare of Bright School and exemplified the highest standards of the school through selfless devotion to the interests of the school. Emily Hon graduated from Bright School in 1986 and has taught at Bright since 1998. She is currently the longest-tenured teacher at the school. She started at Bright as Kathi Wagner's assistant and then became lead teacher in 2000-01. She proudly states that she has attended 31 Bright School Picnics as both a student and teacher. Emily's class is both fun and organized. You will find learning and play easily combined, and often the children are learning songs, acting out stories like the Three Billy Goats Gruff or exploring the Bright School trails.
