Friday, April 26, 2024 marked the kickoff to Alumni Weekend with our 10th annual Distinguished Service Legacy Luncheon, a cherished tradition bringing together retired and distinguished faculty and staff, esteemed alumni, and special friends.
Each year, we present the Alumni Service Award to a deserving member of the Country Day family. However, this year was uniquely special as we renamed the Alumni Service Award in honor of Frank Dowd IV ’74, who celebrated his 50th Class Reunion that same weekend.
Before presenting this special honor to Stacy Collins Lynch ’79, celebrating her 45th Class Reunion, Interim Head of School David Mancos underscored Frank’s dedication and profound impact on our school community:
"For decades, Frank IV has been a pillar of excellence in our community and at our beloved school. There is not an area of campus life he has not impacted or served! It is my distinct honor today to share that in honor of Frank IV’s extraordinary commitment to Country Day, the school is renaming the Alumni Service Award in his honor and henceforth, will be the Frank Dowd IV Alumni Service Award.”
Upon the renaming of the award, Frank graciously presented this year’s award to the deserving recipient, Stacy Collins Lynch ’79. Frank’s tribute was accompanied by poignant reflections and testimonials from Stacy’s beloved and esteemed colleagues (who surrounded her that day), illustrating the profound impact she’s had on our students, families, and community as an alum and for her 35 years of service as an employee of Country Day. Stacy has worn many hats during her time professionally here at Country Day starting with her love for teaching. She moved into the role of Director of ERP, then to Director of Alumni, and back into the Lower School classroom where she currently works.
Paulette Beatty, one of Stacy’s longtime confidants and former colleagues shared, “Throughout the years, Stacy was ever present in my life. Leaving birthday surprises at my door on her way to school, sending beautiful and caring notes, taking me out to lunch, and sharing laughter as well as tears. Stacy, I could not be more proud of you and your beautiful family, and I am so looking forward to calling you at last, “Grand-Mere”! …. Which is French for Grandmother…”
Former colleague Libby Helms shared, “Stacy has more energy and enthusiasm than the proverbial law allows and pours it into every task. Not one to be idle for more than a couple of minutes, she uses her spare time to be thoughtful, generous, and interested in all those around her. If ever a volunteer were needed to take on extra duty, her hand would be the first to be raised. She is a role model for other women and an ambassador for Country Day through her community and church activities and extensive travel literally all over the world.”
Elizabeth Brand Letts ’88, fellow 4th grade teacher and friend shared, “Stacy has touched the lives of so many children over the course of her career. She creates a special relationship with each student, family, and faculty member that she comes in contact with. She remembers every single birthday, anniversary, and family pet’s name! Stacy brings warmth and happiness to our 4th grade team, and for that, we are very grateful.”
The 2024 Distinguished Service Legacy Luncheon was a powerful representation of our remarkable Charlotte Country Day School community.