Excellence in Auxiliary Awards
Leading by Example
Each year, SPARC recognizes individuals and organizations for their exemplary work and outstanding contributions to the field of independent school auxiliary programs.
Objectives
- To recognize auxiliary excellence among the many outstanding individuals, programs, and schools within our membership
- To focus professional attention on quality programs and exemplary leaders
- To increase awareness of the importance of quality auxiliary programming in independent schools
We encourage SPARC members to thoughtfully consider their nominations with the goal of drawing attention to auxiliary excellence.
Strong candidates will have demonstrated excellence in one or more of the following areas:
- Distinguished leadership within the field of auxiliary programs at the school, local, or national level characterized by strategic vision, integrity, collaboration, and innovation
- Commitment to dynamic, high-quality educational practice
- Innovation, creativity, and success in auxiliary program design
- Significant contributions to the advancement of diversity and inclusion within auxiliary programming
- Exemplary service to the SPARC community through being a role model, supporter, or mentor to peers
Who May Nominate a Candidate?
Nominations must be submitted by current SPARC members.
Eligibility
Nominees do not have to be employed at current SPARC member schools to be considered or selected.
Award Selection
Award selections are made by SPARC leadership.
Deadlines
Nominations must be submitted by September 1 of each year.
Award Presentations
Awards are presented at the National Conference.
Past Award Winners
Tejan Walcott, Director of Auxiliary Programs, Westtown School
Nancy Hartmann, Director of Auxiliary Programs, Pike School
Maggie Magner, Director of Summer & Auxiliary Programs, The Fenn School
Jeff Malloy, Director of Operations, Oak Hall School
Jim Patterson, Director of the Kutler Center and Summer Programs, Harvard-Westlake School
Annie Oppenheim, Program Director, (HS)2 at Colorado Rocky Mountain School
Katie Peterson, Director of Auxiliary Programs, Breck School
Laura Walker, Director, Summer Day Camps, Charlotte Latin School
Michael Carmody, Director of Auxiliary Programs, Fort Worth Country Day
Travis Walker, Director of Auxiliary Programs, All Saints Episcopal School
Jana Blackwell, Executive Director of Community Engagement, Pine Crest School
Kate Vizen, Director of Auxiliary Programs, Inly School
Karen McCann McClelland, Director of Auxiliary Programs, Sidwell Friends School
