PEABODY — Peabody Education Foundation (PEF) held the George Peabody Legacy Award ceremony on Wednesday evening at City Hall to honor six educators and philanthropists from within the community who work to provide a lifetime of contributions to Peabody’s educational system.
The first recipient, in alphabetical order by last name, is Sheila D’Ambrosio, who began her teaching career at the Captain Samuel Brown Elementary School, where she taught across several grade levels before finding her true calling in second grade.
PEF wrote about her background and accomplishments:
“A gifted reading teacher, she captivated students with the stories of her favorite authors, bringing the narratives to life in a way that made children feel part of the story themselves. She introduced Math Centers long before they became a common practice in classrooms, while also demonstrating a passion for history and science, skillfully weaving lessons of the leather industry, George Peabody, Samuel Brown, and other local figures into her teaching.”
PEF also noted that D’Ambrosio has been “a tireless advocate for environmental sciences and concerns… (and) will continue to be a driving force in advancing sustainable practices and inspiring positive changes within Peabody.”
According to PEF, the next recipient, Molly Foster, has inspired and guided thousands of students and athletes through her role as a dedicated teacher and coach at Peabody Public Schools (PPS) for two decades.
“Each year, she demonstrates her selfless commitment by organizing the fifth grade Olympiad, volunteering countless hours without seeking recognition,” PEF wrote.
PEF added, “Her unwavering focus on putting students first extends beyond her regular duties, including taking on the oversight of games and volunteers for the inaugural PEF Family Fest. Molly engages students where they are and makes them strive to do their best. Molly is an exceptional educator and a truly outstanding individual.”
Councilor-at-Large Tom Gould also received an award Wednesday evening because he “has been an advocate for children with special needs, and his dedication to the Peabody Challenger program is beyond compare. His concept of bringing the community together through active engagement with those in need is unsurpassed.”
PEF added that Gould is a long-standing PEF Board member, and he is “a passionate volunteer” and “a gracious philanthropist.” PEF also wrote that “Tom has brought the courage of his conviction to the City through his exemplary service and visionary leadership. Tom’s legacy is defined by the countless lives he’s touched and the values he has instilled across our City.”
The fourth recipient is Dr. Kristin Hutton-Fay, who began her career as a special education teacher at the Peabody Integrated Preschool from 1991-2000. Her classroom served children aged 3-5 with intellectual, emotional, and/or physical disabilities, alongside typically developing peers.
According to PEF, these early experiences led Hutton-Fay to a leadership role, and in 2000, she became the director of the preschool, a position she held until her retirement in 2021.
PEF wrote, “She exemplified what it means to be an outstanding educator. She has a profound knowledge of child development; she is remarkably adaptable in times of change and has tireless dedication to collaboration. Her grace and flexibility… made her not just a leader but a source of strength and reassurance for so many… The positive ripple effects of her work are still felt every day in the lives of the children and families she serves.”
Barbara Kelly, the fifth recipient, was posthumously honored “in recognition of her tireless dedication” to the Peabody Education Council and her later work with PEF. Kelly was PEF’s secretary, was a generous financial contributor, and, most notably, led the cherished Guest Reader Program. PEF wrote that “her sudden passing was a tremendous loss to all (who) served with her.”
PEF wrote, “We present this award to her family to celebrate her extraordinary service, honor her memory, and ensure her legacy continues to inspire others in our community to get involved and work passionately for our children who, in turn, represent our future.”
Linda Zakas, the final recipient, was honored for her “distinguished,” 30-year career within the PPS system, with most of her tenure spent at Higgins Middle School. At Higgins, she founded the Gifted and Talented Education (GATE) Program, established the Higgins Chapter of the National Junior Honor Society, and introduced the Odyssey of the Mind/Destination Imagination initiatives.
PEF wrote that Zakas “had a keen eye for identifying and nurturing the best in all of her students. She wanted her students to excel, and she found creative and innovative ways to make that happen.”
