“Unsung Hero” Wins Staff Award
The Staff Award is given annually to a staff member whose outstanding workplace achievements contribute to the school’s excellence. This year, Jeff Spain `71, Country Day’s invaluable network administrator, was selected to receive the award.
When asked about what it means to have received the award, Spain said, “I’m very grateful. At the end of the day, I don’t work because of any recognition. I work as hard as I can because I believe it’s the right thing to do.”
Spain’s colleagues in the IT department value everything he brings to their team.
“This whole network is his design,” says Mike Sivitz, technical support specialist. “He’s grown and developed it over time. If he ever leaves, it will probably take multiple people to replace him.”
Spain has been a part of the fabric of Country Day for almost 65 years. He is a Country Day lifer who started kindergarten in 1958. During his time as a medical doctor and running his own practice, he continued to stay involved by designing and building Country Day’s network. And he’s now about to complete his 28th year as full-time staff member.
“No one loves this place more than Jeff,” says Rob Baker, director of technology. “He’s very invested in the success of this place. Country Day wouldn’t function without his work behind the scenes.”
Head of School Rob Zimmerman `98 concurs with Baker about Spain’s investment in the success of Country Day.
“As an alum and former parent, Jeff’s ties to Country Day are deep and authentic. His combination of expertise and passion for Country Day makes him an unstoppable force. Jeff is, in many respects, the biggest unsung hero at Country Day. Much of our day-to-day operations run on the network that he maintains. Without his expertise and diligence, we simply would not have the school that we have today.”