Kristen Householder Recognized with 2026 Cramer Award

At the 2026 Board, Faculty, and Staff Awards presentation on February 12, seven faculty and staff members and coaches were honored for their contributions to the Spartan community. Steward’s strategic plan, Compass 2028: Inspire the Future, includes six core values (innovation, inspiration, care & respect, individuality, academic achievement, and civil discourse); the award recipients live out these values. 

The celebration took place in the Lora M. Robins Theatre in the Paul R. Cramer Center for the Arts. Honorees included Upper School Science Teacher Kristen Householder, who was presented the Cramer Award. This award is given in memory of the former Steward head of school to a faculty member who epitomizes the characteristics of balance, perspective, and humor. Ms. Householder will also receive a grant to use toward professional development as part of the award. 

“Kristen was fully herself from the very first day she interviewed on campus,” said Head of School Dan Frank as the audience viewed photos of Ms. Householder throughout the years on a screen onstage. “Energetic, smart, kind, curious, effervescent, irrepressible!” 

Reflecting on Ms. Householder’s life and career, Mr. Frank said that her “boundless energy, persistent positivity, and authentic desire to help others come across in all areas of her life.” He continued, “Teaching is the thing that centers her and brings together all her loves: the science itself, bringing data to life, contact with others, radiating joy and passion and curiosity.”

Previous Cramer Award honorees include Bonnie Anderson, Carolyn Brandt, Beverley Fox, Melissa Freed, Heather Jeter, Catesby Jones, Katy Koppanyi, Margaret Maclin, Gardner Mundy, Rugene Paulette, Claudia Ramirez, Janet Rice, Robin Ricketts, Louise Robertson, Craig Smith, Chris Tickle, and Lynn Zinder, each of whom also received a grant to use toward professional development as part of the award.

During the event, additional awards were presented to faculty and staff to recognize their outstanding contributions to Steward. Each recipient received an engraved plaque and a monetary gift. 

The Lower School Award is named for Debbie Hanger, a trustee and beloved member of the community who served as director of Lower School for a decade. The 2026 Debbie Hanger Outstanding Lower School Teacher Award was presented to Grade 3 Teacher Liz Houston.

The Middle School Award is named for Roger Coulombe, former director of Middle School and head of school, who was known for being compassionate, caring, and deeply committed to Steward’s mission and community. The 2026 Roger Coulombe Outstanding Middle School Teacher Award was presented to Middle School Social Studies Teacher Wayne Ducksworth. 

The Upper School Award is named for Carolyn Brandt, who spent 32 years at Steward and was — and continues to be — an integral part of Steward’s growth and a champion of the school’s mission. The 2026 Carolyn Brandt Outstanding Upper School Teacher Award was presented to Upper School Mathematics Teacher Scottie O’Neill. 

The Parents Association presented an Outstanding Staff Member Award named for former Director of the Physical Plant Bob Sanders, who spent two decades supervising the growth of Steward’s campus. The 2026 Robert Sanders Jr. Outstanding Staff Member Award was presented to Registrar Jessica McKenna. 

The Spartan Club presented an award to a coach who made a significant impact on their teams and at Steward, inspiring our players to be competitive athletes and respectful, engaged citizens. This year’s award was presented to Upper School Science Teacher and Assistant Varsity Cross Country Coach Joe Hardcastle. 

The third-annual Champions of Play Award, which honors the late Lower School Director Ingrid Moore, was also presented. The 2026 Champions of Play award recipient is Dean of Bryan Innovation Lab Programs and Innovation Strategy Megan Young. 

Following the ceremony, recipients and guests gathered for photos and enjoyed refreshments in the lobby and Carolyn R. Brandt Art Gallery. Congratulations to all our award recipients!