Professional community members honored for years of service, impactful careers and awards

For a quarter of a century, Leibinger – RE's middle school band director – turned student potential into pride, noted Performing Arts Department Chair Cecilia Gonzalez, who noted that colleagues described Leibinger as "passionate, resilient, spunky, organized, sassy, talented and spirited." One faculty member summed up her gift of transforming neophytes into accomplished musicians using just one word: "magician."

Bufkin received several tributes, including an impromptu one from Co-Executive Director of College Counseling Jason Locke. Locke shared snippets from her legendary letters of recommendation, which were laced with often-humorous analysis and exquisite writing. English teacher Matt Margini described knowing her as "one of the greatest privileges of my time at RE," adding that, "she inspired me. I cherish the time I got to work with her and learn from her."

Faculty member Adrienne Fama lauded Steen for holding her world languages students to an extremely high standard and maintaining a structured classroom environment that kept even RE's sixth graders on course. "Heidi created routines and systems that served her and her students well," Fama said. "She was calm, consistent and supportive." 

Salzinger is "kind, curious, thoughtful, dedicated and compassionate" faculty member Ali Fisher said about her colleague. Humanities Department Chair Jen Nero described her as "a master of her craft," adding "she is exceeding kind, welcoming and humble ... [and] represents the best in RE humanities and in RE in general."  Nero concluded her tribute to Salzinger by saying: "Thank you for reminding all of us what makes this place special, and for being a colleague we all aspire to be."

Three employees received honors from their colleagues: Monique Regis earned the Arthur Moses Award for staff, and James Monk (upper school) and Vanessa Lopez (middle school) each earned the honor for faculty. All were lauded for their exceptional work as individuals and contributions to the larger RE community.

The event recognized current professional community members who reached milestone anniversaries. The longest-serving: science teacher Don Kappelman, who achieved an extraordinary 40 years of dedicated service at Ransom Everglades.

Four employees reached 30 years: Robert DuBard (science), Connie Hyde (visual arts), Miguel Angel Martinez (facilities), and Gustavo White (facilities).

Four achieved 25 years: Jose Estrada (facilities), Genaro Manrriquez (facilities), Jackie Milanes (admissions), and Elsa Munoz (visual arts).

Achieving 20 years of service: Head of School Rachel Rodriguez, Emily Aungst (world languages), Rene Gonzalez (history), Gina Montet (performing arts) and Steen.

Also celebrated: Corinne Rhyner (English) and Jay Salon (science) for 15 years of service, and Kimberly Arredondo (advancement), Quincy Knowles (administrative arts), Lizandro Leon (facilities) and Monk (world languages) for 10 years.

The RE professional community also shared deep gratitude and well-wishes to departing faculty members Michele Rydborn and Bridgette Laskey.