Manabi K. ’25 and Mr. McCarty are our May Everyday Heroes!

The Everyday Hero Award Committee received 23 nominations for this month’s Everyday Hero Awards, which shows that so many community members are doing great things. All who take the time to nominate people are also great examples of our values. Committee members (Mrs. McGehee, Dr. Hyatt, Ms. Campbell, Mrs. Davis, Ms. Meinheit, Mrs. McCrehin, Ms. Page, Ms. Saunders, Tashae’ A. ’25, Student Head of School; and class presidents Kyla P. ’26; Michaela W. ’27; and Cate H. ’28) reviewed the nominations and the announcement of winners at Morning Meeting was met with much cheering and applause!

Before revealing Manabi as the student winner, Junior Class President Kyla P. shared quotes from the nominations. 

"She is known to her peers as a selfless friend. We know her as a student who is equally skilled with a power tool and Adobe InDesign and makes sure our theater productions go off without a hitch."

One nominator wrote, “I think she deserves Everyday Hero because she is such a good friend… Recently, I got a Fox/Hound position, and she has been supporting me so much and answering all of my questions. She is just a very dedicated peer and never fails to make me laugh.”

A senior wrote, “Not only has this classmate been a loyal friend to me, but she has supported me through hard times this past year. Her comfort and words of encouragement have pushed me to finish out the year strong. I could not have asked for a better friend who is kind, supportive, and loving.” 

Her impact extends beyond our campus to the greater Loudoun community. An administrator wrote, “This student is the reason the Dulles Little League (DLL) Challengers volunteer trips took off, and I am so grateful to her for that. Introducing a new weekend service opportunity was nerve-wracking for me because it is something close to my heart as Hunter's mom. I hoped that Foxcroft girls would participate because they are so generous with their time and their care for others. From the get-go, this student was an eager volunteer and participated every time the trip ran, even organizing members of the Varsity Softball team for a special team outing. When I was not running the trip, she was like an honorary chaperone, helping get the group to the right spot, talking to the DLL organizer, and keeping me in the loop on how things were going. She demonstrates such care for others in her actions, and I have seen firsthand how she has been an Everyday Hero, not just in our community but to the DLL Challengers players who were lucky enough to play catch or run the bases with her.” 

Mrs. McGehee also shared reflections from nominations before announcing Steve McCarty as the employee winner, beginning with her own, “I might describe this Everyday Hero as an Eagle Scout, but not because I know if he was one or not. But he embodies all the qualities of an Eagle Scout: Trustworthy, Loyal, Helpful, Friendly, Courteous, Kind, Obedient, Cheerful, Thrifty, Brave, Clean, and Reverent.

“All year long, he has taken on additional responsibilities above and beyond the call of duty to support the Academic Office, which in turn supports all of our students in meeting with success. He makes sure parents and students know where they stand in their courses and shows tough love when he assigns a weekend study hall to give students the chance to catch up. On the other hand, he selflessly offers our students activities even on weekends when he’s not on duty. He organizes trips for students to see plays, concerts, and shows, even making sure all students who want to go have access to tickets.”

One student wrote, “One day I was having a bad day and expecting to speak to someone else, yet when I walked into the room, he was there to support me and gave me a hug, which turned out to be just what I needed. He went on to help make a plan for success for me, so I got the last two weeks of school done happily! He never fails to make me happy with his snacks and our random conversations! He definitely motivates me to be a better student!”

A teacher wrote, “This person’s dedication to Foxcroft’s students, faculty, and administrators goes above and beyond. As a new teacher last year, I often felt overwhelmed navigating lesson planning and grading. He provided a steady source of support, generously offering his time to meet with me and help me through challenges. Even now, he continues to check in with me nearly every day, offering feedback that is not only thoughtful and constructive but also grounded in kindness and care. Furthermore, his impact reaches far beyond mentorship. His founding of the Student of the Month award has brought academic excitement to campus, creating meaningful moments of recognition for students as the community celebrates their achievements. His involvement in Jam has also brought genuine fun and good vibes to school banquets and other events. Whether he’s strumming a guitar in the garden or handing out snacks in his office, his enthusiasm is contagious. His loud, joyful presence and unwavering passion for Foxcroft’s mission make him a true Everyday Hero.” This nominee also supports our faculty in small and big ways, even by organizing an employee outing to a Nationals game to celebrate a great year. 

Congratulations, Manabi and Mr. McCarty!