The Ancira Event Center was alive with tradition and inspiration during the 2024 Founders’ Day celebration. From the welcoming of distinguished alumni to honoring exceptional educators, the event paid tribute to the past, present, and future of the school’s vibrant community.
The gathering opened with an invocation and heartfelt welcome by School Chaplain, Dr. Fredricc Brock and our student-created Land Acknowledgement read by Madison Winston ’25. Andrés Fernandez ’25 inspired the audience with a scripture reading from Proverbs, emphasizing the wisdom and collaboration required to build a strong foundation—a theme woven throughout the day’s events.
Honoring Alumni Excellence
Two alumni were celebrated for their extraordinary accomplishments, highlighting Saint Mary’s Hall’s legacy of fostering leaders.
Michael Wood ’19 was honored with the 17th Momentum Award, celebrating young alumni whose professional achievements in their chosen field show a promise for future success and set a standard of excellence worthy of recognition by Saint Mary’s Hall. A trailblazer in the energy sector, Wood co-founded Energy Terminal during his time at Duke University, creating a platform to shape the next generation of energy leaders. His work has already impacted countless individuals and organizations, setting the stage for a bright and impactful future.
Liz Crawford ’90 was honored with the 43rd Distinguished Alumni Award. The Distinguished Alumni Award is presented to alumni who have made significant contributions to the community and have achieved professional success that sets a standard of excellence worthy of recognition by Saint Mary’s Hall. Liz is recognized for her remarkable contributions to wealth management and her dedication to empowering women through financial literacy. As CEO of Sendero Wealth Management, Crawford’s leadership extends beyond her professional success, inspiring others through her podcast, TEDx talks, and community initiatives.
Both honorees reflected on their journeys during their speeches, expressing gratitude to Saint Mary’s Hall for the foundation it provided and encouraging students to pursue their passions with purpose and resilience.
Recognizing Teaching Excellence
The heart of the Founders’ Day celebration was the presentation of the Master Teacher Awards, honoring educators whose passion and dedication have left an indelible mark on students and colleagues alike.
- Lower School Master Teacher Award: Courtney Pierce, celebrated for her warmth and ability to inspire young learners, was recognized as a “shining star” by parents and students alike.
- Middle School Master Teacher Award: Rebecca Dias was praised for her commitment to fostering understanding and engagement in her classroom, earning admiration from students and parents.
- Upper School Master Teacher Award: Dr. Amy Pozza’s innovative approach to teaching history and her emphasis on student voice were highlighted as transformative for her students’ academic and personal growth.
- At Large Master Teacher Award: Katrina Benoist’s tireless dedication to the school community and her work in physical education and athletics showcased her versatility and commitment to Saint Mary’s Hall.
A Celebration of Legacy and Community
The ceremony concluded with heartfelt remarks from Head of School Len Miller and a beautiful performance of the alma mater by the student Vocal Ensemble.
From honoring alumni achievements to celebrating the dedication of outstanding educators, Founders’ Day 2024 was a testament to Saint Mary’s Hall’s enduring legacy and its commitment to nurturing the next generation of leaders, thinkers, and changemakers.
To view photos from Founders’ Day, visit the event tab at Sights and Sounds of SMH. You can also view the video here.