COMMITMENT

Head of School Lawrence Coco echoes those sentiments: “Bobby Joe is an institution … the hardest working man on campus.” Kurt Jordan, our current Director of Physical Plant, says of his working relationship with Bobby Joe, “In all my years of working with and managing others, I have never met or worked with a more pleasant and conscientious person.” Finally, COO Denny Britt adds, “He [Bobby Joe] is an example to everyone with his commitment, work ethic, and tremendous knowledge both institutional and practical. He is one of the best individuals I have ever had the opportunity to work with over the years.

I am thankful for Bobby Joe.”

You and I began our Prep career together, Mr. Bobby Joe Spann, and I offer a personal, deeply sincere “thank you” for making my many years at school better, and I know I speak for the community at large as well as the faculty and staff in particular when I say, “Thank you, and don’t leave!”

When I am searching for what to paint, I usually choose a portrait. There’s something soulful in a face…in the eyes...and trying to capture someone’s spirit through an oil painting is the ultimate challenge for me. I don’t just paint anyone I come across; I have to be interested in his or her story. I paint slowly, and my best work takes several days, so I really need to connect with whom I am trying to paint or I’m in trouble. Painting Bobby Joe was a true privilege. I had heard there was a Prep employee who had been at the school for over 35 years, so without even looking up his photograph for a reference, I knew he was a special person. ANYONE who would work at a school for that long had to have patience, perseverance, and a work ethic I could barely fathom. I was right. I immediately saw all those attributes in his eyes. When I finished the painting I felt like we had been friends for years. I was so nervous for him to see it; I wanted so badly for him to be pleased with it. I was told he liked it, and when I did meet him a few days later, I was starstruck. Bobby Joe is everything and more than what I was able to capture on a canvas.

Stacy Underwood is married to Jay Underwood (class of 1986 ). They have three children - Greer (class of 2018), Jimmy (class of 2020), and Ian (class of 2023).