News Detail
Department Office Named in Honor of Mr. Thom McDermott
On Friday, June 24, 2016, a special gathering was help on Patrons Plaza adjacent to the 100 Wing, which is undergoing renovation. New new design calls for a English and Social Studies Department Office, and the space is being named in honor of Mr. Thom McDermott—thanks to the genorosity of Mr. DJ Smith and family.
As we kick off our 50th Anniversary year and break ground on the first of some significant academic renovations on, we pause to honor a veteran faculty member who’s contributions to this community have, and continue to make, a lasting impact.
Justin-Siena struck gold in 1997 when Mr. Thom McDermott joined the faculty. His twenty year tenure includes teaching in three departments (Mathematics, Religious Studies, and English) and serving as English Department Chair. He has moderated service immersion trips to Mexico and the Literary Magazine and has served as our campus photographer with a stint as freshman girls basketball coach. Highly regarded by peers and students he has earned such honors as a 2003 yearbook dedication, the 2002 Holy Spirit Award, and a “Most Influential” distinction from students in 2008. He and his wife, Helen, are enthusiastic alumni parents of Shannon McDermott ’97 and Caitlin McDermott Tchaikowitz ’98, on whose behalf he proudly shares alumni updates for Avanti with photos of grandkids decked out in Braves regalia.
But it is the personal impact he has made on so many students who have had the privilege to learn from him, especially Hilary Smith ’06 and Alyson Smith ’08, daughters of Diane and DJ Smith—benefactors who have made this dedication possible. Alyson Smith has begun a teaching career of her own thanks, in part, to the example set by Mr. McDermott.
Today we honor an educator whose passion and obvious commitment to his craft and this community are an inspiration to colleagues and students alike. May God bless Mr. Thom McDermott as he continues to touch the hearts and open the minds of the young people entrusted to his care. Sempre Avanti!
ENJOY PHOTOS from the special gathering.
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Justin-Siena struck gold in 1997 when Mr. Thom McDermott joined the faculty. His twenty year tenure includes teaching in three departments (Mathematics, Religious Studies, and English) and serving as English Department Chair. He has moderated service immersion trips to Mexico and the Literary Magazine and has served as our campus photographer with a stint as freshman girls basketball coach. Highly regarded by peers and students he has earned such honors as a 2003 yearbook dedication, the 2002 Holy Spirit Award, and a “Most Influential” distinction from students in 2008. He and his wife, Helen, are enthusiastic alumni parents of Shannon McDermott ’97 and Caitlin McDermott Tchaikowitz ’98, on whose behalf he proudly shares alumni updates for Avanti with photos of grandkids decked out in Braves regalia.
But it is the personal impact he has made on so many students who have had the privilege to learn from him, especially Hilary Smith ’06 and Alyson Smith ’08, daughters of Diane and DJ Smith—benefactors who have made this dedication possible. Alyson Smith has begun a teaching career of her own thanks, in part, to the example set by Mr. McDermott.
Today we honor an educator whose passion and obvious commitment to his craft and this community are an inspiration to colleagues and students alike. May God bless Mr. Thom McDermott as he continues to touch the hearts and open the minds of the young people entrusted to his care. Sempre Avanti!
ENJOY PHOTOS from the special gathering.
Justin-Siena High School
Justin-Siena is a Lasallian Catholic college preparatory community that serves young people in grades 9–12.