Posted November 14, 2023 in Articles
It’s a beautiful day in the neighborhood at Lawrence School and, in particular, for Greg Donnellan.
Donnellan, Director of Enrollment Management at Lawrence, has been selected as a recipient of the 2023 Fred Rogers Institute Helper Award.
The award—informed and inspired by the legacy of Fred Rogers, affectionately known worldwide as “Mr. Rogers,”—honors and recognizes the individuals who care for children and communities in ordinary and extraordinary ways in their daily and professional lives.
“There are very few people for whom you can say they lived by what they said, and Fred Rogers was one of those individuals,” said Lawrence Head of School Doug Hamilton. “He believed in the good of the individual and the responsibility we have toward children. The Fred Rogers Institute continues his beliefs, and we are thrilled to have Greg Donnellan recognized by them for the Helper Award. We are so very proud of him!”
Donnellan is one of 14 recipients of the award, which was launched this year in honor of the 20th anniversary of the Institute, in memory of Fred Rogers, and in thanks to the individuals we all look to as helpers. Donnellan becomes part of an esteemed community from across the nation to receive the award, encompassing distinguished CEOs, educators, and first responders who embody Mr. Rogers' legacy of selfless leadership.
“It is humbling to receive this prestigious award,” Donnellan said, “and I feel honored to share the Fred Rogers Institute Helper Award with our community of teachers, staff, family, and students at Lawrence School who have created a culture of kindness and compassion. It is also an honor to reflect upon the positive influence of my own family and teachers along my journey, and Mr. Rogers’ legacy inspires me to continue to grow as a servant leader.”
Donnellan has served Lawrence School in a variety of leadership roles over the last 16 years. Each of these experiences has prepared him to excel in his current role as the director of enrollment management. Donnellan leaves behind a positive legacy as the former director of middle school and Middle School Young Entrepreneur Program, and academic coach and music teacher at the Upper School. In addition to serving Lawrence School, Greg is also a board member for Heights Youth Theater in Cleveland Heights, Ohio, and a member of the Educators' Neighborhood cohort with the Fred Rogers Institute.
His genuine passion and unwavering commitment to serving the Lawrence School community have not only transformed classrooms but have also ignited a lifelong love for learning in countless students.
“I think he is the perfect individual to receive this award. His compassion and patient approach to working with students has always, to me, made him the model teacher,” said Eli Manos, a 2014 graduate of Lawrence now working as a film director and composer. “The amount of opportunities he has given students—myself included—to perform and succeed both in various musical settings like the Cabarets and the school musicals just goes to show his drive to help children find success and to enjoy doing what they love to do. He has been one of my greatest mentors, and I can’t think of another person who deserves it more.”
Donnellan will be honored by representatives from the Fred Rogers Institute in an awards ceremony at Lawrence Upper School on Friday, Nov. 17. Click here for RSVP info.