2025 Hamill Awards

In 2016, Bill and Susan Hamill and their daughters Blake '98 and Carter '01 created the Hamill Family Endowment in appreciation for the excellent teaching their daughters received while at Collegiate. It recognizes and rewards outstanding full-time teachers who have 15 years or less of experience, with a preference for teachers early in their career. The endowment also rewards specific attributes in these young teachers who demonstrate faithful commitment to the teacher-coach-mentor model and demonstrate student success in inspiring student attainment in the areas of critical thinking and problem-solving, accessing and analyzing information and effective oral, written, multimedia communication and more. The Hamills recognize great mentors can come in many forms, and therefore, this award is not limited to teachers who are solely classroom instructors.

The following is based on remarks made at the August 22, 2025 all school meeting:

Lower School Hamill Family Award: Kristin Tujuba

A thoughtful collaborator and an unwavering advocate for literacy growth, this year’s Lower School Hamill Family Award recipient exemplifies what it means to lead with both heart and data. As a member of the Academic Services team, Kristin Tujuba has played an instrumental role in reshaping Lower School literacy practices—gathering the voices of colleagues to build consensus, fostering professional growth, and making meaningful changes that always put students first.

As a literacy coach, Kristin is both a strategic guide and a hands-on support. She quietly works behind the scenes researching and curating materials, administering assessments, and modeling lessons for teachers. She also jumps right in—teaching targeted lessons and sharing instructional strategies that empower both students and faculty. Her constant question, “What can I do to help?” echoes across classrooms, small groups, and planning sessions, where she builds bridges for students to thrive.

A passionate reader and researcher, Kristin translates the science of reading and writing into accessible, actionable knowledge for her peers. Her commitment to growth extends beyond academics– Kristen established Girls on the Run at Collegiate, mentoring and inspiring girls to find their voices, build resilience, and lift each other up through positivity.

From her start as a 2nd Grade teacher and team leader to her current role as literacy coach, Kristin’s influence radiates far beyond her title. Whether guiding young readers or championing girls on the track, she embodies the heart of teaching—nurturing and inspiring Lower School students. 

In every school community, there are individuals who elevate those around them—not by seeking recognition, but through their steady commitment, humility, and heart. The 2025 Middle School Hamill Family Award recipient, Mike Leber, is exactly that kind of educator.

As the only teacher in his subject area, Mike could easily feel isolated. Instead, he has built bridges—offering collaboration and connection to colleagues and students alike. He is approachable, dependable, and deeply engaged, whether in the classroom, in the hallway, or on the sidelines.

Mike wears many hats beyond that of a teacher. As a three-season coach—soccer, indoor track, and golf—he brings athleticism, mentorship, and energy to every team he leads. His personal dedication as an ultra-marathon runner mirrors his professional approach: one marked by endurance, grit, and grace.

He also models a commitment to his own growth. As a Four-Shifter, member of the Leadership Academy, and participant in a faculty development program with Where There Be Dragons, Mike embraces every opportunity to stretch his craft. He helped lead the Trailblazer overnight trip to Mount Pleasant, guiding students on both a physical and personal journey of discovery. He also sponsors the Middle School Leadership Club, shaping student voices and values. Perhaps most telling is the demand for his teaching. Interest in Latin continues to grow, not because it’s required, but because so many students want to learn with him. That kind of impact is rare.

Upper School Hamill Family Award: Rachael Barker

The Upper School Hamill Award recognizes a teacher whose warmth, intellect, and dedication make a profound difference in the lives of students. This year’s honoree, Rachael Barker, embodies those qualities in every way.

Rachael is known by colleagues for her bright smile and enthusiasm for all things biology. Her students describe her as a teacher who sets high expectations but does so with kindness, humor, and unwavering support. She excels in teaching both Honors and AP biology, while also bringing creativity to the forensics elective, where her innovative spirit shines.

Balancing rigor and compassion, Rachael sets the bar at just the right height, raising expectations throughout the year so that her students feel challenged but never overwhelmed. One student wrote, “She is always available for extra help and re-words complex topics. She asks questions and helps me figure things out with my own thinking.” Her results speak for themselves. Last year, 100% of her AP biology students earned a 3 or higher, with an average score of 4.5 compared to the global average of 3.2. Her students’ success earned her an invitation to serve as an AP exam grader—an honor reserved for highly accomplished educators.

Rachael’s commitment extends beyond the classroom as well. She recently stepped into a leadership role on the Judicial Council, where her fairness, compassion, and commitment to community have made an immediate impact. In just four years, Rachael has become a cornerstone of the science department and a model of inspired teaching.