Ashbury appreciates the time and energy our volunteers dedicate to the school, especially with the many challenges we have experienced this year. Our annual volunteer awards recognize the significant contributions from members of our community, and our 2020–2021 award recipients are listed below.
The Jean Teron Award
This award was founded in 2013 in honour of the dedicated and prolonged service Jean Teron has given to Ashbury College. It recognizes individuals who have provided exceptional and sustained volunteer service to the College and its community.
The Jean Teron Award winner is Debbie Weinstein
Debbie Weinstein, accomplished lawyer, entrepreneur, business leader, dedicated volunteer, and mother (Alexander ’10, Rachel ’10, and Daniel ’13) is the 2021 Jean Teron Award recipient. We are deeply indebted to Debbie for her decades of service to Ashbury College, where she continues today as a Life Governor. Her leadership as Chair of the Board of Governors from 2010–2013, and contributions to the Finance and Audit Committee, Advancement Committee, SPARK Campaign Cabinet, Legal Advisory Committee (Chair 2011–2013), HR Committee, Governance and Nominating Committee, and Head Selection Committee have made an indelible impact on the direction and leadership of the school. Debbie’s proficiency with highly complex issues, together with her strategic way of thinking, sound leadership and her capacity for fun have drawn others to her and the causes she holds dear. Debbie has had a lasting and meaningful impact on Ashbury College, and our gratitude for her service cannot be overstated.
Outstanding Alumnus/Alumna Volunteer Award
This award recognizes an alumnus or alumna whose willingness and dedication to contribute their time and effort led to a positive impact on the school, its programs and activities.
The Outstanding Alumnus/Alumna Volunteer Award winner is Sean Murray ’82
Sean attended Ashbury College from 1974-1982. He is the father of Jeffrey ’08, Omar ’10, Laila ’12, Philip ’16 and Tim ’20 and the son of Timothy Murray, who was Chairman of the Ashbury College Board of Governors from 1984–1986. Sean is passionate about Ashbury College as an alumnus and as a parent. He has remained close friends with his classmates and continues to support the Class of 1982 “Last Man Standing” fund. He has been a huge help with his class reunions at Homecoming, making sure his classmates returned to campus and actively participating in all events. Sean has been a wonderful supporter of all of Ashbury’s capital campaigns and served as a volunteer on the Building Futures Campaign Cabinet. Sean is a committed volunteer and has gone above and beyond by serving on the following committees over more than two decades: the Board of Governors, the Foundation Board, the Property and Building Committee, and the former Advancement Committee. We are grateful to Sean for making Ashbury College a key priority in his volunteer commitments over the past quarter century.
Outstanding Parent Volunteer Award
This award recognizes a parent whose willingness and dedication to contribute their time and effort led to a positive impact on the school, its programs and activities.
Outstanding Parent Volunteer Awards: Micheline Saikaley and Vanessa von Finckenstein
Micheline Saikaley, the mother of Brianna ’19 and Alexa ’21, has been involved in just about every Guild activity and initiative. She has undertaken this work in a dedicated and professional manner, always with a positive spirit. From helping with the Round Square Conference to used uniform sorting and sales to canteens, Homecoming BBQ to Springfest, Micheline is always the first to sign up, and quick to offer to organize anything that helps the students of Ashbury. She co-chaired the Ashbury Ball in 2017 and was the Guild president in 2019–20, leading the group during the pandemic. Micheline’s enthusiasm, team spirit and creativity will be missed, but we welcome her to the past parent community.
Vanessa von Finckenstein, the mother of Amelia ’14, Thomas ’15, Anna ’17, Ella ’22 and Phil ’24, has been volunteering for the past ten years in many capacities! Vanessa led A-Club and recently spearheaded it as part of the Guild. She has co-chaired the logistics of the Ball in 2019, worked as parent liaison with the sports teams, and helped with other events: Round Square Conference, Grandparents & Grandfriends Day, MAD concert, and more. Vanessa truly embodies the importance of both community and volunteerism. Congratulations, Vanessa! We’re fortunate to count you as part of our parent community!