St. Andrew’s School honored Pamela Faulkner and Dana Gurney, two long-standing members of the St. Andrew’s community, at its annual gala Thursday night, April 27. 

Faulkner has served on the school’s Board of Trustees for 40 years and currently chairs the board’s Education and Student Life Committee. In honoring Faulker, St. Andrew’s also announced that the school’s annual musical production will be named in her honor beginning with next year’s production. 

Gurney will retire at the end of this school year after a 45-year career in special education, which included nearly two decades as St. Andrew’s Director of Learning Services. The honorees were selected for their contributions to the school community.

“St. Andrew’s is a special place because of people like Pam and Dana,” said David Tinagero, St. Andrew’s Head of School. “Our entire community is focused on the diligent work necessary to create an environment where every student can learn, live, and thrive as individuals. With support from our families, faculty, alumni, and the board, our students learn from each other through extensive programming that supports unique paths of success. Our future is bright because we have a strong community that shares a vision for success. Our honorees embody that vision and give inspiration to every member of the St. Andrew’s community.”

Faulkner has been a member of St. Andrew’s Board of Trustees for 40 years and served as president of the board from 1988-1992. Pam is among the most active and prominent civic leaders in the East Bay. She co-founded Tap-In, a community resource based in Barrington that serves 500 clients each month in the East Bay community with emergency food, children’s clothing, household items, and transportation to medical appointments. In 2021, the Town of Barrington honored Pam with a Barrington Heritage Hall of Fame award. This prestigious award recognizes present and former residents who have made significant contributions through civic service or philanthropic contributions.  

“Pam’s 40-year commitment to the St. Andrew’s board and mission is legendary. She personifies the mission and spirit of St. Andrews and what it means to be a ‘saint,’ said Tony Giedt, president of the St. Andrew’s School Board of Trustees. “St. Andrew’s is just one of the many communities Pam has supported, and I believe I speak for everyone when I say that Pam’s zealous stewardship of St. Andrew’s keeps the school grounded in its purpose and mission.”

Faulkner said she was honored to be recognized by St. Andrew’s School.

“St. Andrew’s mission is something I connect deeply with and is why I have stayed a part of this community for so long,” Faulkner said. “I believe it is necessary that when you connect with an institution’s mission and values, you take time to embrace and support it. That is what I hoped to do when I joined this community years ago, and it has turned out to be one of the best decisions I have made.”

Gurney has spent 45 years in the special education field, supporting hundreds of children in need of tailored academic support. Since 2004, she has served as the Director of Learning Services at St. Andrew’s. In this role, she has worked closely with teachers and families to plan programs for students with learning differences and elevated the learning services program to ensure that it continues to be a vital part of the community. Dana’s expertise in education has also been essential to the strength of the Orton-Gillingham and Wilson reading programs, co-teaching, executive functioning support, advising, small group instruction, and study skill development. After nearly two decades of impactful service at St. Andrew’s, Dana will retire at the end of this school year.

“Dana’s commitment to supporting every student who walks through the doors of St. Andrew’s is incredibly special and humbling,” said Alexandra McMullen, Assistant Head of School for Academics and Director of Middle School. “Dana has dedicated her career to education and has always put students first. She has never been afraid to break down barriers so that all students can learn and thrive.”

“St. Andrew’s has provided me the opportunity to make a life-changing impact on students with diverse needs. Our community’s mission and focus recognizes and elevates the importance of welcoming those who learn differently,” said Gurney. “I am incredibly grateful to be one of this year’s honorees and so appreciate how St. Andrew’s allowed me to do the work that is most important to me with encouragement and support.”

St. Andrew’s School’s annual gala, held at the Ballroom at The Providence G, raised money to support the school’s financial aid programs and many of the school’s academic programs. 

St. Andrew’s School supports more than 200 students starting in sixth grade.