In Tribute Call a Rising Star’’ ‘‘

Dear Dennis:

On behalf of all members of the 2001 Norfolk Academy Board of Trustees, its Search and Visiting Committees, and the many faculty members who supported our deliberations, I want to offer our wholehearted thanks for making us look so good.

As you know, our original search to find John Tucker’s successor did not go as planned. We followed our consultants’ playbook, but that process did not yield the appropriate leader for Norfolk Academy. Fortunately, they had one last trick up their sleeves. They suggested that I call a rising star currently serving as Head of the American School in England. I’ll never forget that call. We must have spoken for an hour. Soon thereafter, you and Beth were in Norfolk and Virginia Beach to meet the Trustees and some of the faculty. It was clear to all of us that you were the man to lead Norfolk Academy. Happily, you accepted our offer. Norfolk Academy has been a better place ever since.

The memories of those days 22 years ago are among my most treasured. Over the years, they have gained added meaning because of the remarkable contributions that you, Beth, and your colleagues have made to the life of our school. Our students have been blessed with the educational and personal growth opportunities made possible by the highly skilled teachers, coaches, and administrators you have attracted to the school. You, your colleagues, and the Board have managed an impressive series of lasting enhancements to the school’s programs as well as its buildings, fields, and other campus structures. Throughout, you and the Board have managed the Academy’s finances with an admirable focus on affordable tuition. Now, working with today’s Board, you have led the school through another period of leadership transition.

I am proud to have had the opportunity to serve Norfolk Academy with you and to call you my friend.

Best wishes to you, Beth, and your family,

Alfred F. Ritter Jr. ’64 President, Board of Trustees (1998–2002)

Cover from the Alumni Bulletin for Winter 2001 features (LEFT TO RIGHT ) Board of Trustees President Al Ritter, Interim Headmaster Peter Briggs, then–Incoming Headmaster Dennis Manning, and Former Headmaster John Tucker. All spoke at a ceremony to celebrate the completion of a campus renewal project and to welcome the Manning family.