Our Awards
Celebrating excellence in independent education.
Every day, educators and school leaders across Virginia inspire students, strengthen their communities, and advance the mission of independent education. VAIS is proud to recognize the individuals whose leadership, innovation, and service have made a lasting impact on their schools and the broader independent school community.
Our annual awards honor outstanding professionals who exemplify the values of collaboration, excellence, and lifelong learning. Their achievements reflect the very best of Virginia’s independent schools and inspire others to lead with purpose.
The Sally K. Boese Distinguished Service Award
VAIS presents an annual award in honor of Sally K. Boese, our retired executive director of 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 her 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 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 advocate 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. Contact Betsy Johnson with any questions.
2025 Sally K. Boese Distinguished Service Award Winner: Scott Kennedy
Scott is the former Head of School at Norfolk Collegiate School, where he spent 30 years and served 18 years as Head of School before retiring at the conclusion of the 2025–26 school year. A veteran independent school educator with more than 40 years of experience, Kennedy led work spanning school leadership, governance, strategic planning, community building, and institutional advancement. He now brings that experience to his work as a senior search consultant for independent schools.
Excellence in Education Awards
Each year, VAIS presents three Excellence in Education awards — Lower, Middle, and Upper schools — 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
Excellence in Education Awards are 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.
