Established in 2001, the Nancy N. Wood Excellence in Education Award is given to a faculty member teaching on St. Mark’s Campus. Named for former St. Mark’s Episcopal Day School Head of School Nancy N. Wood, the purpose of the award is to recognize and reward faculty and teaching assistants who personify quality in their teaching and in their influence on student learning. The award recognizes and rewards faculty or teaching assistants who consistently and unselfishly go above and beyond normal expectation of time, energy, and devotion in working with students; recognizes a person who motivates students to higher levels of achievement; and  recognizes and rewards faculty and teaching assistants who have consistently made use of opportunities for continuing education. The award’s goal is to inspire all Episcopal faculty and staff to pursue uncompromising excellence and caring in the classroom.

Wendy Hulsey, Extended Day teacher, was named the 2025 Nancy N. Wood Excellence in Education award recipient for her work at the St. Mark’s Campus over the past 11 years.

Her nominations read:

“Parents have come to rely on and deeply admire this teacher’s consistency and reliability. She creates comfort and confidence for families, knowing their children are in caring, capable hands. Her attention to relationships extends beyond just knowing students’ names – she greets parents and caretakers with genuine warmth and recognition, strengthening our entire school community.”

“What defines this teacher is an extraordinary capacity for love and care that radiates through every interaction. Parents adore and admire her. I know they are comforted knowing their children are in her hands.”

“We have all experienced the same warm leadership from this versatile teacher. She “always has a positive spirit and energy with colleagues” and “she shares this same love with her students, who so need it by the later parts of long school days.”

 Another nominating letter expressed, she “loves every child so dearly, and they love her back tenfold.” This warmth and compassion creates something invaluable – an extra sense of security for students, particularly those who spend their entire day on campus.

“This educator has demonstrated extraordinary flexibility and willingness to serve wherever needed. From working with elementary students to Pre-K children, she has adapted to various roles and responsibilities while maintaining the same high standards and loving approach that defines her work.”