For those who might not know the impact of Co-Dean of Residential Life and Senior Associate Director of Admission Stacey Duprey ’85 P’04,’10 on the St. Andrew’s community, her distinction as a 2024 awardee of the Burch Ford Kaleidoscope Award—an honor from The Association of Boarding Schools (TABS) to leaders in residential and student life at boarding schools across the U.S. and Canada—might illustrate just how many SAS lives Duprey has touched. But perhaps an even better indicator of her impact was the outpouring of love for Duprey at the Sept. 26 School Meeting during which Duprey was surprised with this award. 

Executive Director of TABS Susan Baldridge paid a visit to St. Andrew’s to present Duprey with the award, which recognizes three to four educators every year for their commitment, creativity, and excellence in the area of student and residential life. Welcomed to the stage with a commanding performance from the Saints Steppers, Baldridge shared a portion of the moving nomination of Duprey for this award.

“When people talk about Stacey Duprey, they often describe her as the heart of St. Andrew’s School,” read Baldridge.

The nomination noted Duprey’s long list of roles at St. Andrew’s throughout the years: an alumna of the Class of 1985; an alumni parent; a dedicated faculty member for nearly a quarter of a century who has served as a dorm parent, advisor, coach, diversity coordinator, admissions officer, and co-dean of residential life; and a “fierce champion of this school and its mission.”

“Her commitment to diversity, inclusion, and belonging is the hallmark of her tenure in all aspects of residential and student life,” Baldrige read. “In many ways, she helped build the foundation for inclusive practices that center equity and inclusion in St. Andrew’s. Stacey’s work with boarding school prep programs and with students of color particularly has helped create a robust pipeline for diverse students. For many years, Stacey unselfishly [has given] up her time to make sure that every member of this community—including the Black women, faculty, and staff who see her as a role model—feels seen, heard, and knows that their work is appreciated … This ability to build a beloved community is her true gift and a blessing to all of us who know and love her.”

Duprey, caught by surprise, shared the thoughts running through her head when Baldridge described the award.

“So many different names came to mind,” said Duprey. “I did not expect it to be me. I hope I continue to live up to all that has been poured into me. This is truly a labor of love. I love this place. I love each and every one of you. I love all of my colleagues, and I just thank you for this incredible award.”

Awardees receive a handcrafted, engraved telescope, which signifies a combination of practicality, courage, creativity, playfulness, and conviction of what is right—all qualities of awardees and the award’s namesake, Mary Burch Tracy Ford. Ford started her career at Groton School, and served as dean of students at Milton Academy and as Head of School at Miss Porter’s School. She died in 2019, and was known for her down-to-earth quality but idealistic point of view, her practical approach coupled with her imaginative view of student experience at boarding schools. 

Duprey will be honored at the TABS Conference in Washington, D.C., which will take place Oct. 30 to Nov. 2. Congratulations, Mrs. Duprey!