Coming Together as a School Community for Founder’s Day

On March 31, we gathered to celebrate Founder’s Day, an annual Flint Hill tradition where we come together as a school community to reflect on the milestones in our school history, remember those who have passed and honor our educators who excel in their craft with the Driving Spirit Award. Today was an extra special and momentous day – as we remembered John Tighlman (Til) Hazel who led the re-founding of Flint Hill and surprised our headmaster — John Thomas — with special recognition.

The Driving Spirit Award, created in 2006, has been given to a number of unbelievable educators who have made a lasting impact at Flint Hill. Congratulations to this year’s recipients:

Rick Clark, Controller
Mary Hart, Director of Health Services
Tom Kessel, Assistant Director of Facilities
Melissa Turner, Information Technology Manager

We also recognized Sibel Unsal, who has led our Parents' Association – for her years of service to Flint Hill.

One of the best surprises of the day was to honor John Thomas with the presentation of a commending resolution adopted by the Virginia General Assembly. Delegate David Bulova, a member of the Virginia House of Delegates, made a special appearance to make the presentation.

The ceremony concluded with an additional surprise when Flint Hill Board of Trustee Pia Trigiani presented Mr. Thomas with the ULTIMATE Driving Spirit Award. What better way to honor him for his years of service! Over the years, he has reminded us that we pull the Husky sled together. Yet we know, he’s been out front blazing the trail. Watch here for the moment we surprised Mr. Thomas with the Ultimate Driving Spirit Award.