The Episcopal Academy is honoring four outstanding teachers for their impactful work with students.
This year's D'Ambrosio Fellows have been announced. They include: Lower School Choir Director Janet Albrycht, Hon., Middle School English Teacher Heather Dupont, Hon., Upper School History Teacher and Academic Coach Anna McDermott, Hon., and Upper School Technology Coordinator Matt Memmo, Hon.
"This year we were able to recognize excellence in all three divisions," explained Academic Dean Chris Anderson. "Our recipients have enriched the lives of their students through the arts, humanities, and STEM fields. They are extraordinary teachers, coaches, mentors, and role models who consistently strive to engage and inspire their students."
Established by Lou and Kim D'Ambrosio P '17, '18, The D'Ambrosio Fund for Extraordinary Faculty seeks to inspire teachers to achieve the highest level of work through its fellowship program and by funding professional development activities. "The most important parts of a school are the teachers and the students," said Lou and Kim. "Extraordinary teachers create extraordinary possibilities for the students. We hope the fellowship continues to foster and recognize outstanding teachers at The Episcopal Academy."
2017-2018 marks the second year of the fellowship program.
"To be honored in this way for doing what I love to do came as a complete surprise," said Janet Albrycht. "Many faces, many smiles, lots of music and second generations of families have been a part of my career at EA. I am humbled to think that I am being recognized for doing something that has given me much joy over the years." Mrs. Albrycht is most often spotted on campus sitting at the piano singing with her Lower School students- teaching the nuance of a specific tone or rhythm. Teaching students to sing in other languages is a staple of her repertoire. In Chapel Mrs. Albrycht enthusiastically guides her young singers through special performances. "I would like to thank the D'Ambrosio family for giving me the opportunity to look more seriously at what impact we as teachers actually have on generations of young, inquisitive minds."
"My colleagues and my students inspire me each day, and I love working with them," shared Heather Dupont. If there is an opportunity to try something new, Mrs. Dupont is among the first to try it, reflected one Middle School colleague. Mrs. Dupont is compassionate and supportive of her students. She is thoughtful, mindful, and approachable. Her caring and gentle touch provides students different ways to shine. Mrs. Dupont is a sought-out advisor and works with the student council. "I am excited for the professional development opportunities that come with the fellowship, and I look forward to discovering new ways to enhance my teaching. I am honored to be selected as a D'Ambrosio Fellow."
Anna McDermott finds true joy in supporting students. Several years ago she helped reshape how learning support was approached in the Upper School. Her vision and hard work led to the Upper School workshop program. As an Upper School Academic Coach, Mrs. McDermott provides encouragement and guidance to many students. She also teaches 9th grade Pre-Modern History. "I was surprised and humbled to be selected as an Upper School D'Ambrosio Fellow for the 2017-2018 school year, and I look forward to working on the excellence project for the school."
"I'm honored to be named one of this year's D'Ambrosio Fellows and thankful to the D'Ambrosio family for creating this program," said Matt Memmo. With computers in hand, students are often seen huddled around Mr. Memmo's desk. His students learn to write code, shoot and produce videos, and work on complex digital design projects. As the Upper School Technology Coordinator and AP Computer Science and Digital Design Teacher, he keeps his curriculum current and cutting edge in the evolving technology platforms. "It has inspired me to work harder as I want to make sure I've earned this honor. I am excited to begin working on the excellence project that is associated with the award."
"We are tremendously grateful for the generosity of the D' Ambrosio family," said Ms. Anderson. "The fund they have created for extraordinary faculty has already had a significant impact on our community. We have been given the opportunity to recognize teachers who model excellence in all that they do. In turn, these teachers have created vehicles by which they are sharing their expertise with others."