St. Luke’s 2023 Distinguished Faculty & Staff Award Goes To Julia Gabriele

This year’s Edward B. Blakely Distinguished Faculty & Staff Award was presented to St. Luke’s Associate Head of School and Chief Financial Officer Julia Gabriele during the 22nd annual State of the School on Oct. 12. 

“This year's winner, in many ways, is St. Luke’s,” said Head of School Mary Halpin Carter when introducing Gabriele at State of the School. “Our recipient, perhaps more than any other individual, has been responsible for turning dreams and ambitions for this campus and community into reality. And she’s only just begun.” 

The Edward B. Blakely Distinguished Faculty & Staff Award is named after the school’s founder and presented annually to a St. Luke’s faculty or staff member who exemplifies the school’s founding values of excellence and character. 

Gabriele has dedicated nearly 35 years to the St. Luke’s community and served as a teacher, a coach, Director of Admissions & Communications, Dean of Studies, Head of the Upper School, and Assistant Head of School, and—what she lovingly calls her most important role—Cheese Club Advisor. She has also been a St. Luke’s parent and grandparent. Gabriele taught almost every subject and earned a reputation for disguising important lessons as great fun. She also founded the tradition of Senior Tea, an opportunity for seniors, faculty, and staff to join together for conversation and a cup of tea.

“In addition to being an unforgettable educator, she’s known as a faithful and constant protector of the school — a woman of remarkable integrity,” Carter added. “Her integrity is exemplified in our squeaky-clean audits, care that every dollar is spent wisely and without waste, and the belief that rules apply equally to all. Julia is the embodiment of a strong moral compass and a powerful role model for all, especially the young people we care so deeply about.”

St. Luke’s Upper School Science Teacher Alec Lebris ’95 presented Julia with the award, a beautifully engraved crystal bowl. Lebris was last year’s recipient and Gabriele presented his award. She also admitted him to St. Luke’s School as a student when he was 15 years old.