THE ORCHARD SCHOOL HERITAGE AWARDS
Distinguished Alumnus/Alumna Award
Established in 1985. In recognition of an alumnus/a who personifies the mission of The Orchard School by developing knowledge, confidence and character essential for a life of learning, leadership and positive contribution to society.
Distinguished Friend Award
Established in 1985. Recognizes an individual who lives the values expressed in Orchard’s mission by nurturing and supporting the school.
Bruce A. Chalker ’65 Distinguished Volunteer Award
Established in 1993. Honors someone who shares extraordinary time and expertise with Orchard, engaging our community through leadership and service.
Gordon H. Thompson Lifetime Achievement Award
Established in 2002. To honor and recognize an individual whose commitment, dedication and advocacy have served The Orchard School for 25 years or more.
Exemplar of Excellence Award
Established in 2016. In recognition of an individual whose work has made a major impact on The Orchard School. This individual displays Orchard's core values along with an outstanding commitment to the school, its students, and fellow members of the Orchard community. The winner of this award demonstrates a passion for Orchard that sets a standard for all to emulate.
Distinguished G.O.L.D (Graduate Of the Last Decade) Award
Established in 2020. In recognition of an alumnus/a who has graduated from Orchard in the last ten years and has made a significant impact in the community, their education, or career while maintaining Orchard’s Core Values. This alumnus/a sets the pace for future generations of Orchard Alumni leaders and life-long learners.
OTHER AWARDS GIVEN BY THE SCHOOL
ORCHARD LEGEND AWARD
An Orchard Legend is someone who has been dedicated for decades to The Orchard School. Their deep roots and commitment to Orchard are honorable, altruistic, and inspiring. The recipient of this milestone award demonstrates unmatched loyalty to advance the School’s mission and philosophy. They provide countless hours of service, share strong institutional wisdom, and continue to further the vision of our nine founding mothers. An Orchard Legend is the complete embodiment of the phrase, Owls Forever.
JULIE WINGATE SERVICE TO STUDENTS AWARD*
The Julie Wingate Service to Students Award recognizes two teachers (one in Early Childhood/Elementary School and one in Middle School), as well as a staff member from the past year.
*These awards are given by Head of School Sherri Helvie in honor of Julie Wingate, who served 32 years as an Orchard teacher always putting Orchard students at the center of all of her work.