Brookside's Jane Smith named 2009 Founders' Cup Recipient

Brookside music teacher Jane Smith was named the 2009 recipient of the Founders’ Cup for Teaching Excellence.  Presented annually by the Alumni Association, the Founders’ Cup is based on nominations from parents, students, alumni and peers and honors a full-time faculty member who exemplifies the highest levels of teaching and who contributes to the well-being of the entire MKA community both in and out of the classroom.

Jane Smith has taught music at MKA for twenty-five years, beginning her career at the Middle School before moving to Brookside, where she successfully revived the tradition of playing the hand bells.

In presenting the award, Founders’ Cup Committee Chair Lori Windolf Crispo ‘78 commented: “In thinking about this year’s nominee, I know her feelings are always positive, supportive and confident because those traits are mirrored in what she says and what she does each day. She is a whirlwind of uplifting energy. She is so confident in the abilities of each of her students that they all seem to rise naturally to meet her high expectations. And she is a consummate professional in class and outside of class.” 

Crispo went on to quote from some of the nominations received on Smith’s behalf.   One parent had written “She holds the kids to the highest standards imaginable and in doing so, helps them stretch beyond their wildest dreams…  She communicates joy to all – from the obvious joy she takes in her job, to the joy in finding each child’s hidden talent and bringing it to the forefront.” And a faculty member echoed similar sentiments: “She is a great friend and mentor, a superior teacher and an outstanding human being.”