Wesleyan honors long-tenured employees
On Tuesday, May 2, 2023, the Wesleyan community gathered to celebrate long-tenured employees who will not be returning to Wesleyan next school year. We honored Judy Hughes, Carey Morgan, Ashley Stainback, and Joe Tamel.
Judy Hughes, lower school administrative assistant, has served at Wesleyan for 16 years, beginning in 2007 as a lower school teaching assistant to the second grade team. She is described as “a person who is abundantly kind and easily connects with others.”
“In the fall of 2016, Judy moved to the front desk, and we quickly learned that her talents are simply endless. And I mean endless,” reflected Nancy Jones, lower school dean of counseling and student services.
When challenged to describe Hughes in just one word, her colleague complained good-naturedly about the impossibility of the task, and they recognized Hughes as dedicated, warm, intelligent, and loyal. One peer even called Hughes the GOAT- the greatest of all time.
Carey Morgan, library assistant, has served Wesleyan for 10 years as a substitute teacher, lower school administrative assistant, calendar coordinator, and most recently as the middle and high school library assistant.
“She created lasting relationships with faculty, parents, and students as she served in these different roles,” explained Ramona Blankenship, associate head of school.
As the middle school and high school library assistant, she is known as a wonderful colleague who encourages the people around her. She consistently puts the spotlight on others rather than on herself.
Morgan is described as thoughtful, supportive, kind, welcoming, and caring.
Ashley Stainback, high school girls grade chair and math teacher, has served Wesleyan for 19 years. She served in the math department teaching algebra I, algebra II, algebra III, and pre-calculus.
“She is a dynamic teacher, bringing the subject of math to life and finding ways to make her class more and more engaging,” reflected Josh Smith, assistant dean of student life.
Smith continued to describe Stainback’s lasting legacy as a grade chair too.
“She helped develop the grade chair position into the vital administrative role it is today – one that shepherds students and their families at times through the difficulties and complexities of high school,” states Smith.
Stainback is described as humorous, joyful, encouraging, and wise.
Joe Tamel, high school English and AP Capstone teacher, has served at Wesleyan for 14 years. From coaching basketball and soccer, to being a grade chair, to starting the AP Capstone program, to announcing at football games, he has served Wesleyan in a myriad of ways.
“For me personally, Joe has served as a mentor and friend for many years,” reflected Katie Wischerth, English teacher and department chair.
Tamel is described as encouraging, team-oriented, witty, and inspirational.
Thank you, Judy, Carey, Ashley, and Joe for serving Wesleyan well. Our school is forever changed by your hard work and dedication to our students, families, and community.
