MFS community members were presented with awards at the Dinner Among Friends on Friday, May 3, kicking off Alumni Weekend 2024 festivities:
Alice Stokes Paul 1901 Merit Award – Nathaniel R. Evans III, M.D., FACS, FCCP, ’94
Nate was recognized for his skills and achievements as a thoracic surgeon, his commitment to training the next generation of surgeons and physicians, and for a career that models critical thinking, empathy, and respecting the importance of every individual in a community. A key figure at Thomas Jefferson University and Jefferson Health, Nate is Professor of Surgery; Director, Division of Thoracic and Esophageal Surgery; Chief of Cancer Services, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Center City; and Associate Director for Surgical Services, Jane and Leonard Korman Respiratory Institute.
Young Alumni Award – Alicia Gurrieri ’09
Alicia is a Donor Organizing Field Manager with the Movement Voter Project (MVP), which has deep roots in statewide organizing ecosystems and is dedicated to helping move resources to support grassroots groups across the country. Alicia leads MVP’s efforts to grow a robust network of volunteer organizing and fundraising teams. With prior roles at the National Women’s Law Center and the League of Women Voters, she is deeply committed to investing in grassroots power for sustainable change. Her goal is to “use community engagement to further gender justice through policy change.”
Alumni Association Service Award – Ira Stark and Laurie Hodian
Ira and Laurie have maintained their dedication and commitment to the school long after their children Alex ’06 and Justin ’10 graduated. For more than 30 years, they have made MFS their top philanthropic priority as well as served in a multitude of volunteer roles. A former School Committee member, Laurie still supports theater productions as part of the costuming crew.
Alumni Association Service Award – Paul Lloyd
Paul has served on the Assets Committee of the School Committee since 2010, offering important guidance on numerous topics, including the school’s operating budget, tuition, investments, audit, and insurance. Paul and his son, Chris ’05, provide philanthropic leadership for the school by supporting the Annual Fund and investing in the success of the school’s capital campaigns.
Retirement – Danielle Dayton, Director of Athletics
For nearly 20 years, Danielle has shaped the athletics program and has left an indelible mark on hundreds of student-athletes and families. It is impossible to ignore the successes enjoyed by our teams and student-athletes throughout her tenure. This includes: NJSIAA state team championships in Girls’ Tennis, Boys’ Fencing, and Girls’ Soccer; NJSIAA sectional team championships in those sports along with Boys’ Soccer and Boys’ Tennis; and Friends Schools League championships in Golf, Baseball, Boys’ Soccer, Girls’ Tennis, and Field Hockey. Danielle served as Varsity Field Hockey Coach from 2005-2020, and finished with a career record of 130-91-11. Her teams captured Friends Schools League championships in 2007 and 2019.
Retirement – Gail Barna, Computer Science Teacher
For 26 years, Gail has provided expert computer science and technology instruction, mentorship, and guidance to students. Countless MFS students have benefitted from Gail’s tireless efforts, and so many hold particularly fond memories of the Intensive Learning experiences that Gail designed during her tenure. Her impactful guidance to encourage girls to explore futures in technology has been recognized as the school has received the AP Computer Science Female Diversity Award from the College Board three times in five years. She also served as the Upper School Service Coordinator, working with the Upper School Service Committee on numerous outreach and student fundraising initiatives.