Savannah Country Day School

Faculty Fellowship Program

The Savannah Country Day School was awarded a $100,000 matching Edward E. Ford Grant in 2022. The purpose of the Grant is to create an ongoing Faculty Fellowship Program that will provide recent college graduates with an opportunity to launch their careers in education by gaining one to two years of valuable teaching experience at an independent school.

The Grant was awarded on a matching basis of $1 from the E.E. Ford Foundation for every $4 raised by The Savannah Country Day School. In order to foster a long-term Fellows program, an endowment was created to fund the Fellows program in perpetuity. The endowment was created to honor a beloved teacher and coach, so his legacy will inspire a new generation of future leaders in independent schools. 

Hornet alumni enthusiastically came together to raise $400,000 by July 31, 2023, for The Lamar Kirkley Teaching Fellowship Endowment Fund. Not only is Lamar Kirkley still teaching and coaching, he also strives to consistently engage with former student athletes. For 48 years, Coach Kirkley has inspired generations of Savannah Country Day School students, and he makes it a priority to remain connected to his former students and players. Lamar Kirkley was made aware of this honor at a celebration before the 2023 Homecoming game. 

The $100,000 matching grant funds from The Edward E. Ford Foundation are being used to support three Humanities Fellows who are mentored by two veteran teachers and departmental leaders. In addition to their teaching roles, the Fellows are involved with student life and extra-curriculars. They live in on-campus housing and are heavily involved in student life. Two serve as athletic coaches, and one is involved with the award-winning theatre program. We are excited to have these Teaching Fellows as a part of our Hornet community!