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Hasson Service Award Presented to Nancy ’86 and David Jones

Associate Head of School Jennifer Craig presented White Key members Nancy Gallagher Jones ’86 and David Jones with the James Hasson Distinguished Service Award during the White Key spring meetings in the Burgin Center for the Arts on May 10. 

The James Hasson Distinguished Service Award is given to volunteers who extend distinguished service to Mercersburg over the course of many years.

“Nancy is someone who, in my short time here, always gives good advice,” said Craig as she presented the award. “I have welcomed her wisdom and guidance that was always accompanied by a great sense of humor. At the same time, I have learned to admire her advocacy for developing a child’s sense of independence through our school programming. She is a wonderful volunteer, but more importantly a wonderful mom,” said Craig.

Jones has served on Mercersburg’s parent volunteer group, the  White Key Executive Council, since 2015. She has also served as an Alumni Council member 2009-2015, a reunion committee volunteer, campaign volunteer, and Women in Focus volunteer. Her four children are Mercersburg graduates, including Lauren '18, Allison '20, Isabella "Izzy" '22, and Jason '24; and her uncle, Thomas Cottom ’48, is also an alum.

“Mercersburg has been a part of my life for the last 40 years. Being a parent and having the opportunity to volunteer my time has been a lot of fun and has allowed me to meet and work with so many amazing people,” said Jones in accepting the award. “I am honored to have received this award. It was truly a surprise and a testament to the importance of giving back to such a special place.”

White Key Co-Chair Kathleen Su P ’23, ’25 also thanked Jones for her wealth of knowledge and willingness to help. “It’s just a wonderful legacy that you’re leaving the school. Your Blue Line is very long, and it will continue to grow. So, thank you Nancy, and we’ll really miss you,” she said.

The James Hasson Distinguished Service Award was created to honor Hasson and those parent volunteers who emulate his outstanding commitment to Mercersburg. Jim began volunteering for Mercersburg in 1994 when his oldest daughter, Julie ’98, enrolled as a first-year student, and continued while his youngest daughter, Jill ’00, was a student. Even after both daughters’ graduations, at a time when many Mercersburg parents allow their support to ebb, Jim continued to support Mercersburg by dedicating his time in volunteer hours, attending school sporting events, and supporting the school financially. He passed away in 2009.

Prior to Jones, the award has most recently been awarded to Kristin Butterfield Vickery ’88, P ’18, ’22 and Stuart Vickery P ’18, ’22 in 2022; Katie and Brendan Fitzsimmons P ’17, ’20 in 2020; Kim and Mark Siner P ’14, ’17 in 2017; and Carol Furnary Casparian ’79, P ’11, ’13, ’16, ’20 in 2010.