(R. to l.) GSB’s 2014 graduates, Caitlyn Raia and Elizabeth “Sally” Gordon are joined by their siblings, Teddy Gordon ’12 and Jessica Raia ’12, at Commencement.
Alumni Establish Creative Writing Award in Honor of Former Teacher Gauch Many Gill St. Bernard’s alumni recall the literature, writing and drama classes taught by Upper School teacher Patricia Lee Gauch between 1974 and 1984. During her tenure, teachers worked under the Unit plan, an academic forum in which one class was held for six hours every day over a two- to seven-week span. Currently a children’s book author, workshop leader and guest lecturer along the east coast, Gauch continues to be a part of the GSB community. On May 4, 2013 Gauch returned to campus for Alumni Reunion Weekend and delivered a lecture on the Unit plan, exploring the values of using the motto “The World is Our Classroom” and the qualities of a good education. She Patricia Lee Gauch pays a visit to Andrew Lutz’s English class during the returned to GSB again this past spring as a guest lecturer in Upper School 2013-14 school year. English classes and for Commencement. As a frequent visitor to the GSB campus, Gauch confirmed, “The individuality of Gill remains today. I’ve seen it in the classrooms and hallways of Hockenbury—the love of learning, the creativity of teachers, the relationship between teachers and students, the willingness to see each person for what, or who, he or she is.” Many alumni have expressed their appreciation for Gauch’s style of teaching and endless devotion toward her students. Her lasting impact led alumni to spearhead the creation of The Patricia Lee Gauch Award for Creative Writing, which was presented for the first time at GSB’s 2014 Commencement on June 1. The prize’s recipient was selected based on criteria established by the Upper School English department: a senior whose inventive voice, artful storytelling and disciplined work contribute to the literary life of Gill St. Bernard’s. The award, including a cash prize and signed copy of Gauch’s This Time, Tempe Wick? was presented to Kristin Murtha ’14. The Development Office continues to work with alumni volunteers to build an endowment for The Patricia Lee Gauch Award for Creative Writing. To make a gift toward The Patricia Lee Gauch Award for Creative Writing, visit gsbschool.org/gift, or for information on other ways to give to the endowment, please contact Director of the Annual Fund and Planned Giving Michael Liddy at 908-234-1611, ext. 205 or mliddy@gsbschool.org.
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