Michelle Woodruff Receives Jane Lockhart Service Award

“Since 2010, Michelle Woodruff has raised the bar on Foxcroft’s Athletic program,” shared McGehee. “All you have to do is walk through the Athletic/Student Center to see her professional impact. During her tenure, Foxcroft has earned eight conference titles, ten state runner-up titles, and two state titles. Under her leadership, 17 Foxcroft athletes have gone on to play at the collegiate level. She herself has been named Coach of the Year 8 times.” 

She went on, “At the center of all Michelle does are Foxcrofts’ students. She holds high standards for what they can accomplish on the field and court. As a coach, advisor, and faculty sponsor of the student-run Athletic Association, she empowers students to do more than they thought possible.” 

“Testimonial after testimonial tells of Coach Woodruff’s impact on our students and our employees,” continued McGehee, citing reflections from Woodruff’s players and advisees. "Coach Woodruff’s ceaseless belief in everyone’s potential has been the fuel for our desire to excel and push beyond our limits. Thinking of the years she has spent honing our skills and inspiring our sports teams to a sense of camaraderie overwhelms me with an overpowering sense of gratitude.”

Whether stepping in as s substitute Latin teacher, managing the School Store, serving on the Sunshine committee, or helping coordinate employee social events, Woodruff has enriched the lives of those around her. “Michelle is the kind of person who sees a need and fills it,” offered colleague Patty Boswell. “She doesn't think about the sacrifices she will have to make to accomplish a task; she thinks about the person or people in need, and that is all of the motivation that is required for her. I admire her for her strength of character, her warm and giving heart, and her ability to look at the big picture. As I frequently tell her, she makes me strive to be a better person.”

Congratulations, Coach Woodruff!

The Jane Lockhart Service Award goes to a distinguished member of Foxcroft's staff or faculty who "exemplifies a personal commitment to and understanding of all of our students.” This commitment is demonstrated among other criteria by this individual’s ability to raise the overall quality of life at Foxcroft, unselfish giving of time and energy to the School, and ability to empower students with self-confidence and instill in them the desire to learn, not only while at Foxcroft but also for a lifetime, thus exemplifying the passionate belief that “everything we do is curriculum.”

This award is given in the spirit of Jane Lockhart, Foxcroft staff member from 1966-2016, by the many students and their parents whose lives were enriched by Jane’s dedication to young women. Woodruff is the 12th recipient of the Jane Lockhart Service Award. Previous winners include Lockhart, Penny Alderman, Yvette McCarty, Warren Payne, Patty Boswell, Fred McMane, Brenda Trussell, Heide Hotchkiss, Erin Abbott, Courtney Ulmer, and Danny Borror.