Shady Side Academy proudly announced the recipients of its 2026 annual Faculty and Staff Awards on Tuesday, June 9, whose work exemplifies excellence, integrity, and dedication across the Academy.

The Posner Award, presented annually for outstanding teaching, was awarded to two exemplary educators: Kristin Litster, Third Grade Teacher at the Junior School, and Xiaoxia Xu, Chinese Teacher at the Senior School.

The Michael J. Farrell Awards, endowed by the Farrell family, celebrate Academy faculty members for exceptional student relationships, outstanding contributions, and innovation in teaching. This year’s recipients include:

• Farrell Award for Exceptional Interactions with Students
  • Ginny Sinnott, Country Day School Senior Pre-Kindergarten Teacher
  • Sean Wilson, Junior School Health & P.E. Teacher and Varsity Baseball Coach
• Farrell Award for Going Above and Beyond
  • Yuli Giraldo, Junior School Spanish Teacher
  • Ian Hughes, Band and Instrumental Teacher at the Senior School
  • Rebecca Wright, Middle School Mathematics Teacher
• Farrell Award for Innovative Educators
  • Kayla Davis, Learning Specialist at Country Day School
  • Russ Grant, Senior School Science Teacher and Croft Dorm Advisor

The Class of ’61 Faculty Award for Excellence, established by the Class of 1961 in honor of their 50th reunion, recognizes an early career teacher at the Senior School who shows great promise and commitment. This year’s honoree was History Teacher Micah Delabie.

The Ruth and F. Walter Jones Service Prize, which honors willing and selfless service to the Academy, was awarded to Rae Ann Cooper, Registrar & Academic Office Manager at the Senior School, for her consistent dedication to academic record keeping and class scheduling.

The President’s Award for Distinguished Staff Service was awarded to Donna Giel, in recognition of her exemplary work ethic and positive contributions as Middle School Nurse and, most recently, as Interim Director of Nursing.

The Academy congratulates all of this year’s honorees and thanks them for their unwavering commitment to inspiring students, supporting colleagues, and advancing Shady Side Academy’s mission every day.