ICYMI: HHAA Honors Chris Gfeller
The Heritage Hall Alumni Association (HHAA) has honored Associate Athletic Director Chris Gfeller as the 2017-18 recipient of its Distinguished Faculty Award.

Presented annually during the School’s Faculty Recognition Luncheon, the award is presented to a current faculty member who has exhibited dedication and commitment to inspiring and educating lifelong learners. Previous recipients include Dean of Faculty and Social Studies Department Chair Dr. John Powell, Head of Lower School Betsy Horn, and Middle School Dean of Students Craig Brown (Heritage Hall Class of 1978).  

Presenting the award on behalf of the HHAA, Co-President Ted Perry ’01 emphasized Gfeller’s positive influence on the School’s athletic program, coaches, and student-athletes. “‘G,’ as he is affectionately known by many a student-athlete, is simply extraordinary,” Perry said. “When I was a student, G was a coach, a teacher, and a mentor who truly touched my life and helped shape the work ethic that I have today. Now that I’m coaching right beside him, I continue to be both impressed and inspired. His love for the kids and their futures is immeasurable and above reproach. G puts his heart and soul into each student-athlete as if he or she were his own child,” Perry added.

In addition to those intangibles, Perry continued, “G also applies immense intellect, knowledge, and experience to his daily work. I cannot say enough about the commitment, dedication, and legacy that he has bestowed upon Heritage Hall; we are truly blessed to have him.”

Echoing Perry’s sentiments, Ryan Johnson ’04 remarked, “As a student, G pushed me and my teammates to be the best possible versions of ourselves on the field and in the classroom. He helped instill a work ethic that allowed me to excel in college and in my job today. Coach Gfeller is the epitome of the School’s motto: To Learn • To Lead • To Serve.”

Upon accepting the award, a grateful (and surprised) Gfeller said, “There are so many deserving members of our faculty and staff who should be recognized for all they have done and will do for our community. I owe Heritage Hall a great debt for giving me the opportunity to discover my purpose in life. My goal is to teach our students to go after every opportunity without the fear of failing. I want them to have self-confidence and to believe that they can accomplish anything. Regardless of the result, they will learn throughout the process about themselves and gain skills that will be useful in the real world.”

“We have had much success in athletics during my tenure but, for me, it has never been about winning. It’s about our students, who are second-to-none, and those who have helped mold them into the people they are. It’s about our coaches, men and women of character who are not only tremendous with the X’s and O’s, but who strive for what’s in the best interest of our student-athletes. It’s about an athletic director (Rod Warner) and headmaster (Guy Bramble) who believe in me and support my endeavors. It’s about everyone who makes up this special community, and I hope to continue making a difference in their lives,” Gfeller concluded.