Endowed, Appreciation Chairs Presented

"To students of literature, Achilles is the name of a warrior/hero/leader in the Trojan War. To athletes, 'The Achilles' refers to a critical tendon which connects the calf muscle to the heel," she said. "At Foxcroft, however, Achilles is synonymous with master teacher, scholar, mentor, friend -- legend."  Mr. Achilles shared his skills with Foxcroft from 1955 until his retirement in 1977, which just happens to be the year that the newest holder of his chair graduated!

"Her classes are legendary for their rigor and for their intellectual challenge," she said of Mrs. Herbert. "her availability outside the classroom is extensive; and students’ AP language scores break records. Mr. Achilles would expect no less and he would be pleased with this accolade for Foxcroft’s English Department."

Eleanor Stevens came to Foxcroft in 1937 to chair the Science Department and remained until her retirement in 1970. A brilliant scholar, and a curious and intuitive scientist, she "set a high bar and then provided her students with the tools to go over it," Mrs. Leipheimer said, noting that this legend also would approve of the newest honoree, Mrs. Ervin. "In [Julie Ervin's] two years here, the AP Biology class has grown from one section to two, a summer Science Research Institute has been established, an independent study option/partnership with the University of Virginia is operative, and an understanding heart has touched the lives of many Foxcroft girls," she noted.

"Miss Sarah" came to Foxcroft in 1952 to work for Miss Charlotte and joined the food service staff in 1961. In 1984, she became the Cook, taking that title from her retiring mother, Miss Sally, who was at the Awards Assembly (age 93)! "No one -- no one makes scrambled eggs and vegetable soup like Miss Sarah," said Mrs. Leipheimer. "And no one -- no one has ever served Foxcroft longer. 57 years -- the record by three -- is a phenomenon of epic proportions."

Congratulations to all our new chair recipients!