Dr. Dana Markham Installed as Fifth President of Pine Crest School

Hundreds of Pine Crest faculty and families turned out on March 16 to witness history and wish the School's fifth president Dr. Markham a successful career. The formal program included a message from former President Bill McMillan '45, and son of Pine Crest's founder Mae McMillan, as well as messages from school administrators, and student leaders on both campuses. Mr. McMillan's message was read by Dr. Markham's son, James ('04).

Dr. Markham addressed the community with an eight-minute speech shortly after she received the medallion of office from Board of Trustee Chair Michelle Cibene '84.

"When I first stepped on the Pine Crest campus, to register my children, I never imagined that, one day, I would assume leadership of this extraordinary institution," said Dr. Markham. "At that time, I just knew that I wanted my children to have an opportunity to experience, the exceptional education, for which Pine Crest is known."

Dr. Markham thanked the entire School community - students, families, staff, support staff, faculty, alumni, administration, and the Board of Trustees, for coming together as a community to make Pine Crest what it is and will become.

"Your support of my leadership these past few months has allowed us to continue to move forward in a positive way ...Today’s ceremony is not just about me. It’s about all of us. It’s about celebrating who we are and what we have accomplished," said Dr. Markham.

Dr. Markham invited the School community to continue to be mindful of an ever-changing educational landscape, to keep Pine Crest at the forefront of each discussion, and to never stop searching for ways to "re-imagine every detail of our school."

"In the past, we grew up knowing the type of career opportunities that would eventually be ours. Today, our children grow up, with the realization, that they will someday, compete for jobs, that do not yet existl," Dr. Markham told the audience. "As parents and educators, we need to think deeply and Introspectively. We need to acknowledge, all that we have done so well, but ask ourselves, 'What do we need to do more effectively to prepare children for the challenges that will define their futures?' If our students, are to become outstanding citizens in this 21st century world, it is the educator’s responsibility to foster independent thinking as never before."

Dr. Markham concluded by sharing that Pine Crest students share a unique bond that will always remain.  

"We are a community of faculty and students who demonstrate time and time again our willingness to share intellectual responsibilities. Pine Crest School is a community like no other."

Following the investiture, a reception was held on Pine Crest's new Upper School campus with music provided by the Middle School Jazz Band on the Boca Raton campus. The investiture ceremony also included musical selections from a number of student musicians on Pine Crest's Boca Raton and Fort Lauderdale campuses.

Excerpts from speakers
A number of speakers shared personal thoughts and reflections about Dr. Markham during the ceremony:

"I (am) so impressed with Dr. Markham's responsiveness, her willingness to work with me, her devotion to our school, confidence in the future, and most notably, her genuine warmth and humility.  Simply put, Dr. Markham is an exceptional human being." - Boca Raton Campus Middle School Student Council President Ryan Engelhardt '16.  

"I feel prepared to enter college and eventually the real world and a large part of the confidence I have in my preparation is due to the lessons I have learned from Dr. Markham. As I transition from student to alumnus, I am confident that our school is in the right hands moving forward in an ever-changing educational world. Now more than ever, Pine Crest requires exceptional leadership and there is no doubt in anyone’s mind that you will excel in your new position as President of Pine Crest School." - Upper School Student Council President Nick Greiner '12

"It has been commented by many parents, faculty members, and administrators, me included, that Dr. Markham is an exceptional listener – a skill integral for successful leaders. Leaders who listen to their colleagues, ask for their opinions, act on that information, empower an entire community. She has earned the trust of our faculty, staff and administration on both campuses." - Scott Wing, Head of School, Boca Raton campus

"I know that Dr. Markham will empower each and every one of us to do everything we can to help our students succeed in and out of school ... Our future is certainly bright, and our School is in good hands." - Joseph Walters ' 95, Middle School Head, Boca Raton campus