Each spring, Asheville School gathers as a community to honor the dedication, passion, and impact of our remarkable faculty and staff. At this year’s Faculty Awards Ceremony, we celebrated educators who uphold the school’s mission and inspire students and colleagues through their daily work in the classroom, on the field, in the dorms, and beyond.
The ceremony opened with remarks recognizing the extraordinary efforts of the entire school community during a year marked by unexpected challenges. A two-week disruption caused by an unprecedented fall hurricane revealed the strength and resilience of both students and staff. With creativity, camaraderie, and unwavering perseverance, students navigated displacement, while faculty and facilities teams adapted quickly to restore a sense of normalcy. The year’s unique circumstances made this moment of reflection and recognition all the more meaningful.
As Asheville School looks to the future, we remain grounded in the dedication of those who choose to make this intentional community their life’s work. These awards are a celebration of the spirit that defines Asheville School: a place where excellence is nurtured, values are lived, and every student is seen and supported.
Congratulations to all our award recipients, and thank you to all who serve our community with passion and purpose.
Endowed Academic Department Chairs Acknowledgement
Asheville School proudly acknowledged its Academic Department Chairs for the 2024–2025 school year, positions made possible through the generosity of donors and the vision of recognizing academic excellence:
- Stephen Jarislowsky ’42 Arts Department Chair: Ms. Kathy Leiner
- Stephen Jarislowsky ’42 Math Department Chair: Mr. Jacob O’Brien
- Stephen Jarislowsky ’42 Science Department Chair: Ms. Christine Jones
- Stephen Jarislowsky ’42 Modern Language Department Chair: Ms. Caroline Fleming
- John William Pope Humanities Department Chair in English: Ms. Chris O’Steen
- John William Pope Humanities Department Chair in History: Mr. Carl Boland
These faculty leaders represent the best in scholarship, mentorship, and innovation, shaping the future of their departments and our students’ educational journeys.
Faculty Chair Awards
Two faculty members were honored with endowed chairs recognizing exceptional contributions to their departments:
- The John M. Crawford ’33 Faculty Chair in the Arts was awarded to Ms. Allegra Boggess, who has transformed the music program in just her first year. Students spoke highly of her encouragement and energy:
“Ms. Boggess has inspired us to explore our creativity and passion for music. Her dedication and support have transformed our experience, making it not just about learning notes, but about expressing ourselves and connecting with each other through the power of music.”
“I would have never imagined being in the musical. But, Ms. Boggess encouraged me to try out and it became my favorite memory of the year.”
“Ms. Boggess has been such an instrumental part of my growth as a singer this year. She is nothing but encouraging and supportive. Her warm, welcoming attitude and approachability is why she is able to get our community so involved in our arts program.” - The Harrison C. Stackpole ’34 Faculty Chair in Science was awarded to Ms. Christine Jones, a teacher whose influence extends far beyond the classroom. As a club sponsor and leader of our inaugural Spoleto Study Abroad Program, she has empowered students to lead with confidence and curiosity:
“Ms. Jones has helped me grow into a more confident and thoughtful leader this year. She brings such a genuine enthusiasm to every club meeting, given us her undivided attention regardless of how packed her schedule. She believed in even our most wild ideas always with the intent to support us. Working with her has made me excited for what we as students are capable of accomplishing.”
“Ms. Jones transformed my future. She has set me down an amazing path willed with opportunity and achievements through her connections. She gave me the chance to pursues my interests at a high academic level.”
Exemplary Service Awards
Asheville School also recognized exemplary service through two longstanding awards:
- The Irvin H. Ornduff Award, given to a teacher in their first five years at the school, was awarded to Mr. Luis Gómez España. Known for his joyful energy and multilingual teaching in Spanish, French, and German, he was praised for making language learning a joyful and meaningful pursuit:
“Señor Gomez wants us to love speaking Spanish and he has accomplished his goal. He has helped me find my love for the language!”
“Mr. Gomez has left a lasting impression on me, not just because he’s a great French teacher, but because he truly cares about the growth of his students. His kindness, patience, and enthusiasm have made improving my French something I look forward to. He creates a classroom where everyone feels seen and supported, and that means more than I can say.” - The Gertrude R. Brooks Award for Exceptional Service, honoring a non-teaching staff member, was presented to Ms. Ashly Maag, a devoted leader in the school’s advancement office whose commitment to Asheville School’s mission and people has been unwavering throughout her nonprofit career.
Mastership Award
The highest faculty honor, The William G. Hutchens Mastership Award, was presented to Ms. Chris O’Steen, a scholar, mentor, and leader whose impact is felt across campus. The William G. Hutchins Mastership Award is presented to a full-time faculty member whose work exemplifies that of Mr. Hutchins.
Bill Hutchins, English Teacher extraordinaire at the Asheville School from 1938 ‘til his retirement in 1963 and friend of the School until his death in 1977, made innumerable contributions to the life of the school. He touched students’ lives in multiple ways, as English teacher, Dean, and Assistant Headmaster. He resisted assignment to the more prestigious Sixth Form English classes, insisting on teaching writing, grammar, and usage to the younger boys of the Fourth Form. Students in the 40’s and 50’s characterize him as dignified and a stern but reasonable disciplinarian. A man of principles, he was universally respected and admired.
As English Department Chair, coach, and trusted advisor, Ms. O’Steen exemplifies the values of integrity, compassion, and academic excellence that define Asheville School. Her advisees shared:
“Ms. O’Steen is someone that I know I can rely on, whether for academic or personal problems. She is a kind, thoughtful person who cares about her advisees and her students. I am grateful that she has been there for me throughout the last four years! “