Each summer, we close out the academic year by recognizing some of our incredible faculty and staff. Upper School English Teacher Kristen Miller received the 2025 Distinguished Teacher Award, and Advancement Assistant Stacey Coyne was honored with the 2025 Irvin D. McGregor Distinguished Service Award. We are so grateful for both of these amazing GFS community members!

We also celebrated those receiving their 20-Year Service Pins: Director of Information Technology Robert Ammons, Financial Aid and Enrollment Management Coordinator Trisha Patel, Facilities Operations Manager Debbie Ruark, Security Guard Michael Kelly and Director of Counseling Shondra Cowling; thank you for your loyalty and commitment to GFS!

Included in today’s celebrations were several special moments of reflection and appreciation for Head of School Chris Hughes, who will be moving on from the Forest. The Board of Trustees announced that they will be installing and dedicating a bench by the pond in recognition of his leadership and lasting impact. The inscription will read: "Art will never be able to exist without Nature.” Pierre Bonnard; With great appreciation to Head of School, Chris Hughes, and Farida Hughes for their devotion to the Garrison Forest community. Faculty and staff also shared their gratitude through personal letters to Chris and Farida, and our faculty singers (of which Mr. Hughes is a part!) dedicated their special performance to him. Mr. Hughes also shared his heartfelt thanks and appreciation for the community in his final address to faculty and staff. Thank you, Mr. and Mrs. Hughes, for all you've brought to the GFS community, and we wish you the very best in your next adventure!