The Guardian Award was established in 1999 by Mr. and Mrs. William L. Dahl. Seniors are given the opportunity to write an essay about a faculty member who has been a role model for them during their years at Episcopal and has helped them understand how important these guardians are. The senior who writes the winning nomination receives a $1,500 college scholarship, and the Guardian Award recipient also receives a $1,500 cash award. Members of the senior class are invited to nominate faculty for this honor.
At Senior Honors Convocation on May 16, Tom Baczkowski, Learning Specialist, was named the 2025 Guardian Award winner. Mr. Baczkowski, affectionately known as Coach B, was nominated by senior Ava Galani, who read her nomination during the ceremony. Tom has been a member of the Student Services team for three years and also coaches lacrosse. In her nomination, Ava wrote of his support of her academic journey and accommodations she required as she struggled with reading due to a medical diagnosis involving her eyesight.
Ava wrote: “Upon this diagnosis, Mr. Baczkowski immediately went to work and became my mentor and advocate. He provided unwavering support, encouragement, and assistance. We had to take different measures and approaches to my way of learning and seeing. From graphs laid out 3-D on the walls, to personally reading and checking over everything, I mean everything, I did. His guidance allowed me to adapt, rebuild my confidence, and continue pursuing every single one of my goals.”
“He has taken the time to listen, research, offer wisdom and advice, and help me find extraordinary ways to accommodate. Most importantly, Mr. Baczkowski has taught me the true meaning of perseverance. Through his actions, he has shown that setbacks do not define a person; their resilience and determination does. I will always be grateful that he never gave up on me, even when I gave up on myself.”
Tom and his wife Brandi celebrated the graduation of their daughter, Samantha, from Sandalwood High School this spring.