REMEMBERING SKIP SYKES

RCDS Head of School from 1977-1989

This past November, The Rumson Country Day School lost a very special family member, former Headmaster Donald M. Sykes, Jr. (“Skip” to his many friends). While most of his former colleagues have retired from RCDS, he is still remembered fondly by his school family. Skip

Sykes was, above all, an outstanding educator with a true passion for independent education.

Blessed with both intellect and athletic skill, he loved to teach and he loved to coach, but it was the quality of Skip’s character that really set him apart. Kind, caring, understanding, and modest, he also possessed inner strength, great humor, and a powerful sense of family.

The news of his passing has encouraged old friends to share their memories of this gentleman, his dedication to our school and the many ways he helped to make RCDS the highly respected school it is today.

““Skip knew his students well. Caring about each student in the school was a hallmark of his tenure. Every December when we left school for the twoweek Winter Break, Skip was just beginning his winter work. He was in his office every day crafting a personal narrative about each ninth grader as they applied to boarding school. His write up left no doubt in the reader’s mind that this Headmaster knew his students and most importantly knew what made them succeed! He supported them as athletes, too, even coaching soccer. I do not think there was a sports game that Skip missed. He was always there on the sidelines cheering his students on. Whenever I attended a conference, faculty from other schools upon hearing where I taught would always remark, ‘That is an excellent school - Skip Sykes is the Head!”

– Jayne Carmody, Former Head of Lower School and

Director of Testing

““Our two children were in the classes of ‘83 and ’85, a time when a large percentage of every graduating class matriculated at boarding schools. This concept was new to our family and we were nervous about school visits and interviews. Visiting our first school, we received a surprisingly warm and personal welcome. The tour seemed tailor-made to our son’s interests! That’s when we discovered that every RCDS student’s scheduled school visit was preceded by a personal letter of introduction from Skip, making the experiences easier and more productive for everyone. Over time, Skip’s student evaluations proved to be so accurate that all the boarding schools trusted him completely! ‘Skip Sykes’ student references are the best in the business!’ was a phrase we heard at every admissions office that year, and again two years later, when we repeated the process with our daughter.”

– Suzy Post, Trustee, Past Parent, Former Staff Member