53
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Honoring Teaching Excellence DIANE WALLACE For 53 years, she bettered the lives of fourth grade boys. Norfolk Academy celebrated a teaching legend on August 19, during a special ceremony for faculty and staff that recognized Diane Wallace, who taught more than 1,000 fourth grade boys during her 53 years of selfless service to the school. The event was highlighted by an announcement honoring her contributions — the creation of the Diane Wallace Fund for Distinguished Teaching, which will foster teaching growth and reward faculty members who demonstrate her devotion. The inaugural award was given to Reggie Cole, who teaches fifth grade, serves as Executive Director of Breakthrough at Norfolk Academy, and coaches in the Academy’s football program. Susan Wynne ’68, a past teacher and Trustee at the Academy, announced the fund. Her son, Trustee John O. Wynne Jr. ’94, was one of those fourth grade boys. Almost 40 years later, he still recalls Wallace’s daily spirit, enthusiasm, and dedication to making her students critical thinkers. “Thank you for inspiring us to become better students and better people,” Mr. Wynne wrote in an email his mother read. When Bo Friddell ’08 was in Wallace’s class, she promised to his father, Trustee Rusty Friddell ’69, that she had Bo’s back. During the year, Rusty Friddell came to realize what that meant. Bo wasn’t going to receive special treatment. But Wallace was going to ensure he learned from struggles and they would not deter him from success. “On behalf of 1,000-plus boys, I want to thank you for having the back of each and every one,” Mr. Friddell said. Mrs. Wallace started teaching at the Academy in 1967, retiring at the height of the pandemic in 2020. Headmaster Dennis Manning noted that remarkable length of service, also highlighting how she served not just students but teachers as well. Even in retirement, she continues to make a lasting impact on the school, he said. 16
ACADEMY
“Diane’s example is an Olympian one and a model for us to consider in our own work lives,” he said. “What a life and what an example to emulate.” Mr. Manning announced another tribute that will be on display at a later date: the Leadership classroom in the James B. Massey Jr. Leadership Center will be named in honor of Diane Wallace. ◆ Mike Connors is Digital and Social Media Specialist.