New Hampton School opens its new academic year with Convocation on Sunday, September 3rd. This year, our featured Convocation speaker is fifth-year faculty member Ryan Henry—the 2023 Ralph S. O’Connor Excellence in Teaching Prize honoree.
The O’Connor Excellence in Teaching Prize recognizes a faculty member selected as a strong contributor by demonstrating such attributes as; setting the highest standard for his or her students while not abandoning them to their own resources; nurturing students inside and outside the classroom; and demonstrating a commitment to the student, the school, and the art of teaching. Current students nominate a teacher who is caring, inspiring, and represents the best of New Hampton School. Their voice at Convocation lends tone and structure for the year ahead in conjunction with words from our Head of School, Student Body Co-Presidents, and the all-school theme.
O’Connor Distinguished Teaching
With this recent award, Mr. Henry is recognized as an enthusiastic, inspiring, and passionate leader on campus. He has been described as someone who has built confidence in their students so they may find success with their math topics. His informative lessons and real-world context allow students to find meaning in what they are learning. He is organized, clear, knowledgeable, and approachable. He is a role model for many students.
Students note his sense of humor and empathy make him a supportive teacher, and his willingness to make time to meet with students outside of class demonstrates his enduring commitment. Outside of the classroom, he is a dedicated coach committed to his players on the men’s lacrosse team, and he is a responsible, trusting house head in Galletly House.
We look forward to hearing Mr. Henry’s remarks at this year’s Convocation ceremony.
More about Ryan Henry
Ryan Henry is a mathematics teacher and the head men’s lacrosse coach at New Hampton School. He is a 2011 graduate of Saint Anselm College, where he earned a B.A. in Mathematics and served as a captain of the Division II NCAA men’s lacrosse team his senior year. Prior to New Hampton, Mr. Henry served Jesuit High School in Tampa, FL as a mathematics teacher, assistant disciplinarian, and head men’s lacrosse coach. Mr. Henry began his boarding school teaching and coaching career at Trinity-Pawling School in Pawling, NY, where he served as a mathematics teacher, soccer coach, hockey coach, and offensive coordinator for the men’s lacrosse program.
His experience working at Trinity-Pawling is the foundation for his investment in boarding school education, and he believes deeply in using academics, athletics, and dorm life as platforms to develop young men and women into the best version of themselves. Mr. Henry lives in Galletly House with his wife, Sierra, their child, and their dog, Pawling.
