Anna C. ’25 and Sra. Riestra are our November/December Everyday Heroes!

We are excited to share that Anna C. ’25 and Spanish teacher Vilma Riestra are the November/December winners of Foxcroft's Everyday Hero Award!

The campus community was invited to nominate employees and students who have been doing great things and living out our values in big and small ways during the month. The Everyday Hero Award Committee (Gracie R. ’24, Isabella W. ’24, Tashae' A. ’25, Kyla P. ’26, and faculty members Erika Page, Christine McCrehin, Lynnette Saunders, Dr. Tanya Hyatt, Dr. Whittney Preston, and Cathy McGehee) received a multitude of nominations and the announcement of winners at Morning Meeting on Monday was met with much cheering and applause.
 
Before revealing Anna as the student winner, Student Head of School Gracie R. ’23 shared quotes from the nominations. According to one of Anna's peers, “This student is an indescribable personality and bubble of joy. She is my roommate, and I feel like the luckiest person. Every time I walk into the room or Schoolhouse, she always greets me with my nickname, putting a big smile on my face. She is a good person on the inside, and you can really, really tell that she genuinely cares about everyone, whether it’s in the barn, in the dorm, or the classroom. She will ALWAYS put others before herself.”

Another student wrote, “She always has such a positive attitude and gives me a hug in the hallway whenever I see her. At first, I didn’t know her well, but then, as I got to know her, she made me feel so loved and welcome in her room.” A peer who works with her in theater said, “This student is everyone's personal cheerleader. Whether in class or on the stage, she puts in 100% but also brings up others with her! She is the best!” 

While this student has only been at Foxcroft since August, she has already jumped in and made a positive impact in our music program, in riding, and the dorm. I am honored to recognize Anna C. ’25 as our Everyday Hero Award recipient. 

Head of School Cathy McGehee also shared reflections from nominations before announcing Sra. Riestra as the employee winner.

"This person received multiple nominations from students and faculty. She often does things behind the scenes, quietly making a positive impact on her students, her dorm, and other departments. Our Admissions Department is so grateful for her help as a translator while recently working with a prospective international student. She went above and beyond to make that family feel welcome and has helped our international students feel welcome in the dorm." 

She went on to say, "As Faculty Sponsor of the Spanish Club, she supported her students as they put on one of the best Hispanic Heritage Month banquets on record. She also helped a new student who was feeling homesick by involving her with the Day of the Dead installation — a gift of time, love, and beauty — enjoyed by everyone, including our visitors."

One student wrote, “This teacher is a perfect example of an everyday hero! She has been my advisor since freshman year and has always pushed me to do my best. When I come to her with my problems, I know she will help me solve them. Whether it's a hug, smile, or a laugh, I know she will always be there for me through thick and thin.”

Congratulations, Anna and Sra. Riestra, on being Foxcroft's November/December Everyday Heroes!