Congratulations to Beth Negronida, Roycemore School's 2023 Elinor Rice Fuchs, Teacher of the Year! Please enjoy remarks from Upper School Commencement when Ms. Negronida was presented with the honor.

Chris English, Head of School: "While all teachers make an impact, today we are going to acknowledge one very special teacher with the Elinor Rice Fuchs Award. As the drama teacher, "Ricey" devoted long hours after school to guide the rehearsal of wonderful plays, to listen to her students, and to offer wise counsel with a healthy mixture of laughter and gravitas. The School has chosen to honor these twin attributes of promoting excellence and building special relationships with students by identifying an Elinor Rice Fuchs Distinguished Teacher each year.

In order to be eligible for the award, a member of the faculty (not administration) must have taught at Roycemore for a minimum of FIVE years and must not have received the award in any of the last five years.

As the committee of faculty members met this year to select a recipient for this award, they all agreed that this teacher reflects all of the qualities that are outlined for this award. This teacher is known for appropriately challenging our students’ intellect and possesses an unyielding belief that every student can do better. Please understand, this is the highest compliment a teacher can give a student, not an admonition. This teacher understands that every one of us, even in our best moments, is capable of learning more, growing more, and doing more. To me, this speaks to the inherent optimism this educator possesses. Her legacy here is far-reaching, having received this recognition 21 years ago.  She has an impeccable reputation among her colleagues and each day, quietly does the thing that needs to be done. Never seeking attention, and never seeking credit, she is focused on helping her students find success, not by letting them slide or lowering expectations, but by proving to them that their work and effort matter.

Please join me in congratulating Beth Negronida as this year’s Elinor Rice Fuchs Distinctive Teacher of the Year!"