Farewell to our 2025 leavers

It is with immense gratitude and all the best wishes for the future that we say farewell to the following seven members of the ASL community, all of whom are heading off to retirement and/or new adventures at the end of the 2024-25 school year. Each of these seven people has worked at ASL for more than 10 years, and our school is the better for it. Read what these seven leavers’ colleagues have to say about them—and, if you feel so inclined, leave a memory, message, or tribute of your own by clicking here!

 

Victoria Hollington Hamadache (ASL 1985-2025), high school world languages and culture teacher

“Oh how I will miss Vicki Hamadache! From the moment I joined the School, more than three decades ago, I have adored the infectious laughter and joie de vivre of the incomparable Madame H. And no one struts the hallways of ASL in a superlatively coordinated ensemble like Vicki! Countless and precious are the times I’ve spent in her company as she regales her rapt audience with tales of good-natured naughtiness and general derring do, resulting in tears of laughter, every time. Vicki attained legendary status in the High School right from the very start; her students love her to bits and alumni flock to her side at events, where she holds court with her inimitable regal presence—and always a twinkle in her eye. ASL mourns your departure, Vicki, but I know you will stay connected, and for that, and for just you, we are eternally grateful. Happy retirement, my friend. You deserve it!” – Wendy Robinson (ASL 1992-present)

 

Darryl Phelps (ASL 1998-2025), lower school English as an additional language (EAL) teacher

“Darryl’s true care for, and curiosity about, his students’ backgrounds have always made them feel special and seen. He is their fiercest advocate. Darryl gives a thousand percent at school while also modeling how to live life to the fullest. Radiating warmth, care and clever wit, he loves a quality check-in to ask, ’How are you going?’ We will miss his sense of style, joy and, of course, his man bun. We wish him happiness in the Italian sun and best of luck in this next phase of life!” – Julie Spurr P ’20 ’22 (ASL 1998-present), Nanette Pakula P ’12 ’15 ’16 ’20 (ASL 2007-present), and Patricia Elsea (ASL 2016-present)
 

 

Pete Lutkoski P ’35 (ASL 2003-25), middle school principal

“One of my favorite memories of Pete is when he performed solo at a middle school assembly last year (he sang a song while playing the guitar). Students had seen Pete perform in the past, typically playing alongside the faculty band at our opening assemblies on the first day of school, but I especially appreciated this moment because it showcased not only Pete’s talent, but also his vulnerability. As a former band teacher, Pete’s passion for all things music and the arts is evident, and sharing his joy for performing music on stage in front of students was a special experience. Pete, thank you for 21 years of teaching and leading at ASL; we wish you the very best in your next adventure! – Erica Jones (ASL 2019-present)
 

 

Sandhya Jois P ’07 ’11 (ASL 2006-25), middle school Grade 5 aide

“Sandhya’s warmth, dedication, and unwavering support have left a lasting impact on our students and the entire ASL community. From coordinating after-school and summer programs to collecting last-minute trip forms and stepping into classrooms, she has tackled a million tasks—both big and small—with grace and a smile. For 19 years, she has brought joy and positivity to every corner of our school. While we’ll deeply miss her as the Grade 5 aide, we’re so grateful we’ll still see her after school for Math Olympiads next year!” – Nicole Van Gasse (ASL 2017-present)
 

 

 

Megan McGilchrist (ASL 2007-25), high school English teacher

“What do we appreciate about Megan McGilchrist?
A teacher who knows and loves her subject matter? Who knows and loves her students? Who cycles and tubes from the far-off depths of South London to share the former with the latter?

A teacher who has never stopped being a scholar? Who researches, writes learned articles (and books), and regularly lectures to her peers at academic conferences? Keeping the rest of us on our toes by presenting a model of serious life-long learning?

An unflappable professional, taking due dates and faculty meetings and various shows-and-tells in her stride with neither irritation nor angst?

That ready smile? That gracious tolerance? That good advice never imparted till asked for?” – Mimi Flood (ASL 1997-2010)

 

Candace Bennett (ASL 2014-25), middle school math teacher

“Candace is a hard-working, thoughtful, and highly effective colleague. Every lesson is meticulously planned and presented like the most curated Instagram post. It’s addictive to watch her work: she is so highly skilled that even her worksheets are eye-catching! Her attention to detail is flawless. Even the mundane, like a lesson about adding like terms in an algebraic equation, has flair. She never stops thinking about what the impact on students could be and how she can improve her delivery or the student experience. She doesn’t fly by the seat of her pants—ever. Every move she makes in a lesson is careful and thought through. Her students benefit from her precise approach. She is warm and kind to the most temperamental of teenagers, too. To work with her for the past 11 years has been a dream. She thinks of everything twice. She listens intently and is open to all the wackiness that middle school offers. To say she will be sorely missed is an understatement.” – Laura Brown P ’26 (ASL 1995-present)

 

Grant Hiller (ASL 2014-25), PE teacher & interim assistant high school principal

“Grant is an extraordinary educator and coach. In the 11 years I have known Grant, first as an opposition coach and over the last 8 years as a trusted colleague and friend, Grant has always put students first. He brings humor, compassion, knowledge, and dedication, and always considers every student’s well-being above all else. His success as a coach is unmatched, but it is his devotion to his athletes that always impressed me. With our athletes, Grant spoke often about how you leave the jersey when you go and what legacy you leave behind. Our team and community will be missing a very special person when he departs, and he has left a lasting imprint on this team and school. We will all miss Grant.” – Phil Tiller ’96 (ASL 2017-present)