The Stephen M. Foster ES’65 Exemplary Service Award for 2021 has been awarded to Alexandra Alger FR'79 CN'12P, Carlos Alvarez FR'00P and Jamie Broderick FR'71.This year’s recipients have distinguished themselves beyond description.

Alex has a passion for education that has positively affected the lives of many including her own family. From her earliest days as an SYAer in Rennes (along with her twin sister Hilary) to her son Davison following in her footsteps at SYA China, Alex stepped up as a volunteer leading to a position on SYA’s Board of Trustees. Her thoughtful contributions and conviction that SYA continue to educate future generations have helped SYA at times when it needed it most. When her board membership ended, Alex enthusiastically agreed to chair SYA’s first ever comprehensive capital campaign. Upon learning that Alex was awarded this honor, SYA President Tom Hassan said, “Alex leads by example – always ready to roll up her sleeves and to offer her intellect and heart to the task at hand. Stunning results happen, thanks to Alex.” Learn more about Alex.

Mr. Alvarez was one of our first non-head of school trustees, and was first introduced to SYA by his daughter Carla FR'00, who inspired his commitment to SYA. His tireless efforts and thoughtful guidance have helped steer SYA through challenges. Mr. Alvarez has been a strategic partner for two decades. Along with his wife, Malú, his conviction that SYA must continue its course to educate future generations of empathetic and mindful leaders is second to none. From the acquisition and renovation of Villa Alvarez and Casa Foster 64, our campuses in France and Spain respectively, and the creation and funding of scholarships, including the most recently established Malú and Carlos Alvarez Global Scholars Fund, Mr. Alvarez’s dedication to education has positively affected the lives of many students, at SYA and beyond. SYA President Tom Hassan said, “Carlos has created an enduring family legacy that will continue through the next generation and beyond, all to help promote and secure SYA’s future. For all of this and so much more, thank you.” Read more about Mr. Alvarez.

Jamie Broderick FR’71's earliest days as an SYAer in Rennes to his many years as a leadership volunteer, Jamie has generously shared his time, treasure and enthusiasm for the betterment of the SYA experience. As a board member, Jamie always helped the leadership to approach issues in the most sensible and innovative ways. Jamie enthusiastically agreed to co-chair The Campaign for SYA and when asked what his greatest hope for the future of SYA is, Jamie responded, “In a shrinking, globalizing, homogenizing, fully connected world, I would hope that SYA can continue to somehow still cast adolescents loose from their tethers to experience a challenging, uncomfortable, unfamiliar, soul-expanding adventure.” SYA President Tom Hassan commented, “Jamie’s creative approach to challenges paired with his belief in creating a better world, and SYA’s role in that effort, assured an incredibly successful comprehensive fundraising effort. Jamie has fostered a stronger SYA, one that will continue through the next generation and beyond.” Learn more about Jamie.