Faculty Spotlight: 2020 Retirements

Celebrating 337 Years of Service to EA

Thirteen beloved members of the EA community retired at the end of the school year with a combined 337 years of service. “The dedication and commitment by this group of retiring faculty and staff have been tremendous,” shared Greville Haslam Head of School Dr. T.J. Locke. “We thank them all and wish them joy and happiness in retirement. They will all be greatly missed!”

John Smith, Hon. – Head Athletic Trainer (44 years)

As EA’s head athletic trainer, John Smith, Hon. was a permanent fixture on EA’s sidelines, taking care of hundreds of students over the years. He taught physical education, helped to maintain the weight room, and jumped in to assist student-athletes for decades. When John first joined EA at the Merion Campus, 292 student-athletes were under his care. Fortyfour years later that number doubled, as EA Athletics grew to field nine teams each of the three seasons. John was an enthusiastic fan, especially for the football team, and encouraged all student-athletes to display humility in victory and grace in defeat. His sons, John and Kevin, graduated from EA in 2002 and 2005, respectively.

Lynne Hay, Hon. – Upper School History and Psychology Teacher (40 years)

Lynne Hay, Hon. was among a small group of early female faculty members who helped pave the way for others at EA. During her tenure, Lynne served many roles and impacted thousands of students. Most recently, she served as an enthusiastic and passionate history and psychology teacher, highly sought-after advisor, and Model UN advisor. Lynne was also the director of admission for 23 years and introduced EA to thousands of families. She has been a guiding mentor for new teachers and a regular on the sidelines and in the theater, cheering on her students. Her children, Catherine ‘03 and “EA lifer” Alex ‘04, attended EA, and Lynne believes she owns more blue and white clothing than the entire Main Line. Lynne and her husband, Tom, dedicated their lives to education and independent schools and inspired their children to continue that tradition.

Tim Kent, Hon. – Classics Teacher, Tennis and Squash Coach (37 years)

Tim Kent, Hon. was a quintessential teacher-coach-mentor at EA. “Magister Kent” instructed generations of what he fondly called “young scholars” in Latin and Greek. One long-time colleague shared that Tim always found the best in every student and was “an inspiration to all of us on how to work with teenagers.” A natural coach who developed both athletic talent and core values, Tim also made a lasting impact on EA Athletics. He coached squash and boys’ tennis and taught his players that acting honorably was non-negotiable when representing the Blue and White, both on and off the court. Tim also coached golf and introduced EA to platform tennis (paddle). Affectionately referred to as “TK,” Tim celebrated 10 Inter-Ac championships. Tim met his wife Maude, who recently retired from the Middle School math department, at EA in 1983. Their daughter, Mia, graduated from EA in 2008.

George Wattles, Hon. – Middle School Math and History Teacher and Multi-Sport Coach (35 years)

George Wattles, Hon. has inspired thousands of students, mentored countless faculty members, and served as a pillar of the EA community. A true gentleman and scholar, George played many roles during his time at EA. Past history and math students relied on his patient, steady, and routine approach in the classroom. He had a special knack for embracing and celebrating the challenges sometimes faced by Middle School students. George’s passion for athletics translated into a stellar EA coaching career, including lacrosse, track, soccer, and tennis. One of his greatest joys while traveling the country to referee NCAA lacrosse games was running into his former Middle School student-athletes. George’s colleagues describe him as someone who listened deeply and responded with a wealth of experience and an absence of judgment. They also commend him for his brilliant sense of humor and impeccable comedic timing.

Gina Buggy, Hon. – Athletic Director and Varsity Field Hockey Coach (34 years)

First hired in 1986 to build EA’s girls’ athletic program, Gina Buggy, Hon. was named the athletic director for both the boys’ and girls’ programs in 1993- becoming the first female athletic director in the Inter-Ac League. Under her leadership, EA’s athletics program thrived. EA teams are consistently nationally ranked and have earned countless championship titles. Gina inspired thousands of student-athletes and coaches. She led the varsity field hockey team to 12 Inter-Ac titles and four PAISAA championships. Last spring, Gina received the Michael F. Mayock Distinguished Teacher-Coach Award, which recognizes those individuals who impart the highest level of integrity, professionalism, and concern for the total education of Inter-Ac student-athletes. She has been an enthusiastic supporter on the sidelines, often tucked away from sight to better focus on the players and the action on the field. Gina ends her coaching career with an impressive 478-97-11 record.

Naomi Knecht, Hon. – Middle School Art Teacher (28 years)

Naomi Knecht, Hon. spent 28 years cultivating creativity in EA students, leveraging the imagination of students and continually developing whimsical and engaging multi-media projects. Naomi challenged her students to think critically about art and inspired them to create countless beautiful pieces. Her talents were evidenced in the halls of the Middle School that displayed her students’ works. Many of her own beautiful pieces highlight her bright and energetic palette that brings subjects to life. Over the years, Naomi has worn many hats at EA, including parent, teacher, advisor, and acting department chair. She dutifully served as the In Media Res yearbook advisor, working tirelessly to photograph Middle School events and collaborating with students on the yearbook design and layout. Her daughter, Kimberlee, graduated from EA in 2005.

Michele Alfano, Hon. – Lower School Teaching Assistant (24 years)

Michele Alfano, Hon. helped to challenge and nurture hundreds of EA’s youngest students in the Lower School. Throughout her career, her students have always come first. Michele is known for her warm and caring nature, along with her pleasant and quiet manner that brought a soothing sense of calm in the classroom. Michele made a point to make all children feel special. The kindness and compassion that she exuded helped make EA’s Lower School a very special place. Michele is looking forward to spending more time with her children, Justin ‘99 and Devin ‘03, and grandchildren.

Rev. Bert Zug ’78 – Middle School Chaplain (21 years)

As an alumnus, past parent, and teacher, Rev. Bert Zug kept Episcopal close for nearly all of his life. Bert has a unique knack and passion for youth ministry, as witnessed throughout his years as Middle School chaplain and religion teacher. He took great pride in teaching every student for all three of their Middle School years. He was especially passionate about working with 8th grade students on their faith papers. He took great joy in helping students explore their feelings and beliefs and assisting them in how to best articulate their faith stories. He also shared his musical talents in Chapel and wowed the community each year during Scrooge Chapel with elaborate costumes and passionate acting. EA’s campus has greatly benefited from his ongoing sustainability work. Bert’s support of the annual Can Drive provided food and other necessities to thousands of needy families. His children, Jamie and Teddy, graduated from EA in 2003 and 2006, respectively.

Rob Trumbull, Hon. – Upper School History Teacher (20 years)

Rob Trumbull, Hon. uniquely brought history to life, making it approachable and interesting for his students. Many students who claimed history was not a favorite subject suddenly found themselves intrigued and engaged due to Rob’s passion and instructional approach. In recent years, Rob worked with fellow teachers and the Harvard Business School to closely study the HBS Case Method and developed ways to apply it in high school history classrooms, including his own. He has also served as a beloved and soughtafter advisor. Rob has coached JV baseball and Middle School softball, and he advised the Young Democrats and World Affairs clubs. He worked hard over the years to build an impressive Model UN program. His positive attitude and love for school life have been contagious. His children, Rosie and Jon, graduated from EA in 2006 and 2007, respectively.

Betsy Welch, Hon. – 2nd Grade Teacher (18 years)

Betsy Welch, Hon.’s impact on her young students is long-lasting. Scores of former students, who she proudly refered to as “Welchians,” visited annually. Betsy had a gift for meeting each student where they were and finding ways to inspire and empower them to grow as both people and learners. She constantly worked on ways to build maturity and develop leadership skills. Through her calm and steady approach, she found the perfect balance in creating a structured and loving classroom environment. Many students credit Betsy for their love of books and returned to her classroom to read. She was also deeply passionate about community service. From organizing magic marker recycling efforts, to packing up lost and found items for donations, to mobilizing groups of students to make greeting cards for those who are sick or in crisis, Betsy truly lived the Stripes.

Fran McLaughlin, Hon. – Middle School Learning Specialist (15 years)

Fran McLaughlin, Hon. helped countless students successfully navigate their Middle School years as the division’s learning specialist. She worked closely with students, faculty, and parents to help ensure success inside and outside of the classroom. Fran often put in extra hours when a student needed to meet one-on-one, sometimes with a weekly meeting before school, and always was willing to go above and beyond. She worked hard to find ways to relate to every individual student as their biggest fan and strongest advocate. With her caring and thoughtful approach, Fran worked closely with faculty to find the best ways to engage a student. Her patient and giving nature inspired those around her, and her positive energy and sense of humor brightened everyone’s day. Her work training puppy Einstein, through the Seeing Eye program, also brought much-added joy to campus.

Ellie Duffy – Lower School Administrative Assistant (12 years)

Ellie Duffy dedicated her time at EA to make sure all Lower School students were safe and well cared for. From the first day of school to the last, she faithfully welcomed students with a fun greeting to start the day. Ellie’s love for all of EA’s students was evident by her warm smile. She took the time to get know each one and their family. Students were always her first priority. Ellie approached her responsibilities with perfection and precision. She was a bright light for many, always displaying ultimate school spirit and embracing and nurturing the joy of Lower School. Along with Ellie’s kind demeanor, her creative Halloween costumes will be especially missed!

Tracie Lee – Faculty Recruitment Coordinator (9 years)

Tracie Lee was the first point of contact for many of EA’s new employees. She considered everyone at EA her family, and her connections to the Blue and White run deep. As a parent, Tracie quickly immersed herself and invested countless volunteer hours to help strengthen the school. She helped in classrooms and the library, welcomed new families, planned community gatherings, coordinated fundraisers, and much more. Tracie served many leadership roles in the EAPA, including president, and provided invaluable counsel to school leaders. Her husband Ned ‘79 and sons Zander ‘08 and Mac ‘10 are alumni. Tracie’s commitment to EA, strong relationships, and impeccable interpersonal skills led to her officially joining the staff as faculty recruitment coordinator nearly a decade ago. Since that time, she has helped guide and welcome more than 300 new faculty and staff members.