Mary Halpin Carter Receives Professional Achievement Award From Alma Mater

On Saturday, May 13, St. Luke’s Head of School Mary Halpin Carter was presented with the 2023 Esther Forbes (1907) Award for Distinguished Professional Achievement from her alma mater, The Bancroft School. This recognition is among the Alumni Association's most prestigious awards. Mary was selected for her many accomplishments, passion and commitment to the field of education, and her service as a Bancroft Trustee. She was presented the award during the 2023 Reunion Dinner & Alumni Award Presentation.

In her acceptance speech, Carter thanked Bancroft for starting her journey to Head of School and reflected on an influential person who guided her.

“Thank you for this award for professional achievement. And thank you for planting the seeds for that achievement. Bancroft had much to do with my professional choices because Bancroft inspired me in leadership,” she said. “When we were seniors, a new Head of School came to Bancroft named Gigi Tritschler. Though we only shared one year, her influence on me and the entire Bancroft community is evidence of the impact of leadership. Gigi was like Mary Poppins to my young eyes. She blew in on a fresh breeze with a spit-spot energy that spread to faculty, staff, and students. Even families were brighter and standing up straighter. Dinner table chatter was excitement about Bancroft’s future. 

At that time, Gigi was one of a handful of women leading independent schools that had high schools. Even now, only about 24 percent of such schools are led by women, and many are girls' schools. I didn’t realize then that Gigi was a trailblazer, but young me did think: ‘What a worthy career to have your life’s work uplifts others.’”

Congratulations, Dr. Carter!