Three outstanding individuals and two athletic teams were honored at the Alumni Awards Ceremony at the conclusion of Fall Fair and Homecoming Day in the AP Room. Congratulations to the 2023 Alumni Award winners: Sue Howard (Distinguished Faculty), Gil Childers ’73 (Athletic Hall of Fame), Keith Mann ’03 (Athletic Hall of Fame) and the 1971 boys’ basketball and 1984 girls’ basketball teams. The honorees, their family and friends, alumni and other members of the LA community enjoyed a reception afterward.
Longtime WardlaLAartridge faculty member Sue Howard received the Distinguished Faculty Award. Sue taught art to Lower School students from 1979-2020, a tenure that allowed her to teach children of past students. Former LA colleague and close friend Gale Goldman introduced Sue and presented the award.
Gil Childers ’73, now in his first year on the LA Board of Trustees, starred in football and track and field as a captain. He also competed in basketball, swimming and wrestling and remains active in masters-level lacrosse. His son, Tim Childers, provided the introduction and presented the award.
Keith Mann ‘03 also was inducted into the Athletic Hall of Fame. Keith starred in soccer, swimming and tennis but his story of resilience after sustaining a serious accident in high school is most impressive. He became emotional during his acceptance remarks when reflecting how the school has made a difference in his life. LA teammate and friend Mike Olim ‘04 introduced Keith and presented his award.
The teams honored represent the first boys’ and girls’ basketball teams to win State Prep championships. Gil Childers ’73 presented the boys’ award to Jon Kovonuk, son of the late Hall of Fame head coach Ray Kovonuk. Patti Feeney ’84, one of the leaders of the 1984 girls, presented the team award to head coach Doug Anderson.