Honoring Faculty & Staff
Before departing for the summer, the faculty and staff gathered in the Great Hall for a final luncheon, hosted by the Parents' Association. Eugene McDermott Headmaster David W. Dini presented special honors to several members of the faculty and staff for their outstanding dedication to the School and their Marksmen.
The Ackerman Character Education Award
The Edward and Wilhelmina Ackerman Family established this annual award to recognize a teacher whose work is focused on the total development of his or her students with particular emphasis on character and morality.
This year’s Ackerman Award honoree is a dedicated and thoughtful classroom teacher, coach, advisor, and role model. She moves about campus with boundless enthusiasm and an unwavering commitment to the well-being of every boy. When opportunities or needs arise, she’s often the first to raise her hand, eager to help others and move the school forward. Choir Trips, community service, campouts, athletic events, IBSC, and more – no matter the challenge, she tackles each day with enthusiasm, thoughtfulness, and determination, serving as a wonderful exemplar for Marksmen. She cares deeply about the character of our boys, always striving to uphold the highest standards and expectations. Her love of the boys is readily evident, as is her commitment to her colleagues on every corner of campus.
The 2025 Ackerman Character Education Award goes to Middle School math teacher Lauren Logan.
John H. Murrell Excellence-in-Teaching Awards
The John H. Murrell Excellence-in-Teaching Awards were established as a means of financially recognizing and rewarding teachers for outstanding classroom teaching and is a method for providing an incentive to mid-career teachers to remain in the teaching profession. The program is intended to be a tangible expression of gratitude to members of the St. Mark’s faculty for their outstanding work. Toward this end, the School makes up to three awards annually and recognizes the recipients at the conclusion of the school year.
Our third Murrell honoree is also still relatively new to our community, but you’d never know it. This teacher embodies excellence and sets the highest standards for herself and for the boys. One colleague said, “she exemplifies what it means to be a passionate, dedicated, and inspirational educator. Her presence alone is uplifting and contagious. I find myself smiling every time I see her.” Teaching in both Middle and Upper Schools, this colleague manages a full teaching load with grace, energy, and clear devotion to her students. Her classroom is a dynamic environment filled with joy, creativity, and discipline, and the impact of work is clearly evident in her students’ experience. Our final Murrell Excellence in Teacher Award honoree is band director Analisa Rodriguez.
Our first recipient this year is a positive difference maker. While still relatively early in her St. Mark’s tenure, this teacher jumped right in and quickly made St. Mark’s her home. She moves about campus with unwavering energy, always with a clear sense of determination, purpose, and a ready smile. One colleague wrote, “she’s a collaborator who models how effective sharing ideas with colleagues can be. Whenever I walk into her classroom, boys are engaged and active. Every topic she teaches is hands-on and has the boys at rapt attention.” She works hard and does everything possible to bring her subject matter to life while expanding her commitment to boys' education by her increasing work with the International Boys’ Schools Coalition. Our first Murrell Excellence in Teaching Award honoree is Chinese teacher Linda Liu.
Our second Murrell honoree joined St. Mark’s with an already strong track record of teaching excellence, in and out of the classroom. This teacher never misses an opportunity to help and support his students and colleagues. He’s also never met a stranger and brings an abundance of energy to campus. A veteran teacher and coach, this educator understands the importance of meeting boys where they are and supporting their academic and athletic pursuits. From the science lab to the Pecos Wilderness, he’s fully engaged with the boys, setting an example of discipline and excellence, day in and day out. A colleague who really gives meaning to the phrase, putting the miles in, our second Murrell Excellence in Teaching Award honoree is chemistry teacher Jonathan Moody.
Our third Murrell honoree is also still relatively new to our community, but you’d never know it. This teacher embodies excellence and sets the highest standards for herself and for the boys. One colleague said, “she exemplifies what it means to be a passionate, dedicated, and inspirational educator. Her presence alone is uplifting and contagious. I find myself smiling every time I see her.” Teaching in both Middle and Upper Schools, this colleague manages a full teaching load with grace, energy, and clear devotion to her students. Her classroom is a dynamic environment filled with joy, creativity, and discipline, and the impact of work is clearly evident in her students’ experience. Our final Murrell Excellence in Teacher Award honoree is band director Analisa Rodriguez.
Superior Staff Performance Awards
The Superior Staff Performance Award is intended to recognize those upon whom St. Mark's can always depend – the team players, who through their contributions help make St. Mark's the great place that it is.
Our first honoree is the quintessential teammate. He shines equally in support and leading roles. He goes about his work quietly and never seeks recognition. Whether taking pictures at a School event, writing a news story for the website, or leading boys in the Pecos Wilderness, he is fully engaged. His enthusiasm is contagious, and he is quick to share a laugh and lighten any interaction with a kind word or humorous story. His professionalism and ability to joyfully navigate input from a variety of angles make him an excellent colleague. He’s also a 20-year veteran of the US Army, balancing his St. Mark’s responsibilities well alongside his service to our country. It is a pleasure to present a Superior Staff Award to Associate Director of Communications Scott Moore.
Our second honoree is still relatively new to St. Mark’s, yet has jumped in with both feet to support colleagues on every corner of campus with dependability, a positive spirit, and a can-do attitude. He’s a dedicated “team player” and goes out of his way to make sure things are done right while always looking for ways to make improvements. He’s sensitive and respectful of others and strives to make your day just a little bit better. Whether helping a boy get ready for a presentation on campus, hosting a visiting speaker, or making sure today’s luncheon goes smoothly, he does it all with grace, determination, and a ready smile. I’m delighted to present a Superior Staff Award to audio/visual technician Johnny Sequenzia.
Ralph B. Rogers Alumni Award
The 2025 Ralph B. Rogers Alumni Award was previously announced at Upper School Final Assembly. The Award is given annually to a teacher or staff member of St. Mark’s School of Texas who has made an important and pioneering contribution to the mission of the School and the School community.
Since joining the Foreign Language Department in 2016, Janet Lin has become a deeply involved and highly respected member of the St. Mark’s community. Known for her tireless commitment to students, she leads cultural exchanges, oversees student programs, and coordinates the all-school Lunar New Year celebration. A Cum Laude faculty member, she’s also served as a Class Sponsor and on the Discipline Council. Her passion and dedication have left a lasting impact on campus life, earning her recognition as the Gene and Alice Oltrogge Master Teaching Chair.
The three finalists for the 2025 Rogers Award – Teri Broom, Zuming Feng, and Janet Lin – were announced at the Spring Alumni Dinner in April.
The three finalists for the 2025 Rogers Award – Teri Broom, Zuming Feng, and Janet Lin – were announced at the Spring Alumni Dinner in April.
St. Mark’s School of Texas
10600 Preston Road
Dallas, Texas 75230
214-346-8000
Dallas, Texas 75230
214-346-8000
About Us
St. Mark’s School of Texas is a private, nonsectarian college-preparatory boys’ day school for students in grades 1 through 12, located in Dallas, Texas. St. Mark’s aims to prepare young men to assume leadership and responsibility in a competitive and changing world.
St. Mark’s does not discriminate in the administration of its admission and education policies on the basis of race, color, religion, sexual orientation, or national or ethnic origin.
St. Mark’s does not discriminate in the administration of its admission and education policies on the basis of race, color, religion, sexual orientation, or national or ethnic origin.
