2023 Gannon Award

The Gannon Family Foundation Faculty Award is awarded to a Nichols faculty member who is nominated by their peers for making an outstanding contribution to the education of students. This year’s recipient is Josh Ring P’23,’26, who, in his 21 years on campus, has taken on every challenge that Nichols has asked, including 5th grade math, 5th grade science, 7th grade science, 8th grade math, 9th grade math, 9th grade physics, 12th grade geology, and AP Environmental Science. Ring’s knack for teaching 5th graders and seniors on the same day is a testament to his remarkable ability to relate to students of all ages.

Known for bringing handson activities and project-based learning to all his classes, older students and alum revel in returning to his space in the Middle School to point out the papier-mâché birds they created during their earliest days at Nichols.

Gift Initiative, raising funds to dedicate the entrance to the Junior Senior Lounge to this special group of students while creating an effective template for future parent-giving initiatives.

Darby has been a generous donor and eager volunteer during his time as a Nichols parent, all while running his family’s business. From day one, he has been a Nichols School ambassador, guiding prospective families through the admissions and orientation process and generously opening the family’s home to welcome new and old families.

Focusing on experiential learning outside the classroom, he takes his students and the environmental club out into the Buffalo and Western New York communities, regardless of the weather. In fact, some may say Ring hopes for torrential rain just to ensure the field trips are even more memorable.

Leading multiple environmental initiatives around Nichols that include building a wood frame shelter so that 5th graders could watch the metamorphosis of monarch butterflies and then release them, spearheading the creation of the pollinator garden along Colvin Blvd., and spurring initiatives to get composting going at Nichols. Ring is known to be persistent without being pushy and work tirelessly to get projects completed. He is often selected to sit on committees because faculty and administration recognize his intelligence, thoughtfulness, and measured tone.