Creek Faculty Honored at End of Year Celebration

Indian Creek School faculty and staff gathered on Tuesday, June 2, to celebrate and reflect on a successful school year at the annual End of Year Faculty & Staff Celebration. 

Head of School Booth Kyle opened the ceremony by reflecting on the 2025-26 school year as one "that felt all-around good!" He then invited the full faculty to join him in honoring and thanking members of the faculty who are embarking on new adventures next year: Heather DeBuse, Adriane Ikotun, Michele Longo, Alan Nettles,  Larissa Oktay, and Leeann Passaro.

Associate Head of School Jen Malachowski then led a spirited recognition of employees reaching milestone anniversaries. Recognized for five years of service were Emily Judson, Jenny Keuleman, Valeri Orr, Leeann Passaro, Michael Pawluk, Alexandra VC, and Sara White.

Faculty and staff celebrating 10 years at Indian Creek were inducted into La Sociedad du Clyde, a beloved school tradition in which honorees receive a dog trophy in memory of Clyde, a loyal dog who spent a decade roaming the school's original campus. This year's inductees were Liz Kettering, Lindsey Seynhaeve, Tom Sheppard, and Barb Vazquez.

Additional milestone honorees included Ab Bear (15 years); Anne Engles, Esti Uribe-Martinez, and Stuart Tilman (20 years), whose names will be commemorated with bricks in the ICS Foundation; Matt McCormick (25 years); and Hilary Briles, who was recognized for an extraordinary 35 years of service - in fields ranging from technology, to publications, to art, and more -  to Indian Creek School.

 

The Professional Life Committee Chair Rachel Barr then presented the annual Pillar Awards to faculty and staff members who exemplify Indian Creek's commitment to kindness, well-being, and the relentless pursuit of excellence in support of students and colleagues. This year's recipients were Pre-K Assistant Teacher Mindy Probst, Middle School Humanities Teacher Erika Strickland, Upper School World Languages Teacher Tania Berkowicz, and Receptionist Valeri Haywood.

The celebration concluded with a luncheon, providing faculty and staff an opportunity to reflect on the year, celebrate one another, and begin a well-deserved summer break.

Click here to view a gallery of photos.