From The J.K. Rowling Award for increased use of a communication device to the Master Chef Award for planning and cooking dinner at the residence, The Guild School celebrated the accomplishments of our students at the annual Awards Day.
Parents, siblings, grandparents and friends joined Guild educators, specialists and staff to recognize the students for their achievements during the academic year. Students received personalized awards commemorating their work at school and their residences (where applicable), and posed for photos with their teachers and residential managers.
About 150 people gathered for each of the two ceremonies, which were held on the first day of summer in a large tent outside the school building.
In addition to honoring the students, Awards Day represented an opportunity to praise the caring, nurturing individuals who have supported the students in their journeys. “You have all contributed in your own important ways to each of our individual students’ many successes,” Sharon DiGrigoli-Couture, The Guild’s outgoing chief education officer, told attendees.
At each ceremony, members of the Youth Parent Advisory Council (PAC) recognized Sharon for her hard work and dedication to the students. Sharon announced this spring that after 20 years she will transition from full-time employment to a consulting capacity as her family moves back to her native Berkshires in Western Massachusetts. She began her Guild career as a teaching assistant in 1999 and led the education team for 10 years.
“Someone else will come in and fill this position, but no one will ever be able to replace you,” PAC chair Sue Tarr said during the morning ceremony. “We are very sad to see you go, but feel blessed to have had you in our lives. I hope that you know that you have made a wonderful difference in so many lives.”
PAC members Karen Sheppard and Caryn Budd spoke on behalf of the parents at the afternoon ceremony. “We want to thank you for being a dedicated, caring, insightful, warm and compassionate leader,” they said. “We wish you the very best and will never forget all that you have done for all of us.”
Photography: Judith Carey Sargent