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Circling the Hill: Celebrating Excellence
Two of McDonogh's exceptional educators—Amanda Alonso-Valenteen and Tricia Crnilovic—were honored in February with prestigious faculty chairs that celebrate their unwavering commitment to teaching, deep connections with students, and lasting impact on the School community.
Amanda Alonso-Valenteen
Amanda Alonso-Valenteen was awarded the Louis E. "Doc" Lamborn Distinguished Teaching Chair, established in 2004 by alumni and the France-Merrick Foundation. The award honors long-serving teachers—those with 15 or more years at McDonogh—who embody the values of Doc Lamborn, a charismatic leader who served as Head of School from 1926 to 1952.
Alonso-Valenteen's story is one of resilience and inspiration. After moving to the U.S. from abroad at age 16, she quickly mastered a new language and culture, earning her high school diploma, college degree, and a Master of Arts in Teaching—all by the age of 22. In her 17 years at McDonogh, she has become a beloved Spanish teacher, known for her high expectations, unwavering support, and ability to create a vibrant, inclusive classroom. Students gather in her room throughout the day, eager to talk, learn, or simply spend time with a teacher they trust.
Beyond the classroom, she leads with joy—sponsoring clubs, organizing multicultural events, and even joining a faculty basketball team with enthusiasm. Her commitment to professional growth and her generous spirit make her a leader among colleagues. She is, in every way, a model of excellence.
Tricia Crnilovic
Tricia Crnilovic was named the recipient of the Paul E. Smith Teaching Chair, an honor established in 2022 by Neal Moszkowski '84 to recognize educators who, like Smith—the School's first Black faculty member—demonstrate a remarkable ability to connect with students, build camaraderie, and inspire through integrity and heart.
Crnilovic joined McDonogh in 2005, encouraged by a family member who taught in the Lower School. For more than two decades, she has taken on five distinct teaching roles, working with every Lower School grade. Her adaptability is matched by a deep love for her students and a joyful approach to teaching.
Described by Head of Lower School Nancy Fleury as someone who turns teaching into an art, Crnilovic has an extraordinary gift for helping children believe in themselves. Parents cherish her for her insight, dedication, and ability to nurture each child's unique potential. Her colleagues admire her generous, collaborative spirit. One described her as "a marigold," a nurturing presence in the garden of the School community who helps those around her thrive.
Whether working with high schoolers or the youngest learners on campus, both honorees embody the heart of McDonogh's mission: finding joy in work and play.
