VAIS Annual Awards
Past Winners
2014: Sally K. Boese
2024: Treavor Lord
- Treavor Lord, 2024
- Rachel Connell, 2023
- Dennis Manning, 2022
- John “JEB” Byers, 2021
- Sue Baldwin, 2020
- F. Robertson Hershey, 2019
- Henry “Hank” Berg, 2018
- Irene Carney, 2017
- Livia McCoy, 2016
- David Philip Garmey, 2015
VAIS presents an annual award in honor of Sally K. Boese, the Executive Director of the Association for 24 years. During her tenure, Sally’s determination, collaborative-style management, ethical and professional excellence, and visionary direction enabled the Association to develop into one of the premier independent school organizations in the country. During this time, VAIS created and constantly improved a meaningful accreditation process, a vast array of professional development opportunities for all members of a school’s community, and an organizational structure that promotes forward-thinking leadership for member schools. Sally’s success resulted in strong affiliations among VAIS member schools, National Association of Independent Schools, and many other national independent school organizations.
The inaugural award was presented to Dr. Boese at the Annual Conference on Monday, November 4, 2013, marking her retirement as Executive Director as well as the 40th anniversary of VAIS.
VAIS seeks nominations of educators and administrators who reflect the achievements and values of Sally Boese, such as:
- An ability to create an outstanding program that extends beyond their own school;
- A talent for inspiring others and encouraging meaningful collaboration that produces lasting results;
- An advocacy of independent school education, whose effort benefits all independent schools; and
- A concerted effort on behalf of VAIS by contributing time, effort, and ideas in planning, leading, and promoting VAIS programs.
The deadline for nominations is August 9. To nominate, please complete this nomination form. Please contact Betsy Johnson with any questions about this award.
The Virginia Association of Independent Schools (VAIS) presents three Innovation awards — Lower School, Middle School, and Upper School — to honor educators in VAIS schools who make positive impacts in their communities. These teachers make an impact in areas such as:
- Inspiring students’ excitement about learning
- Motivating colleagues to grow professionally
- Impacting the school community in positive and tangible ways
The Innovation in Education Award is open to current VAIS educators only. Individuals may self-nominate or be nominated by a colleague up until September 15.
To nominate yourself of a colleague, please complete this nomination form.
For any questions, please contact Darcie TeVault.