Norris Baker Administrative Suite Honors Legacy of Longtime Lower School Director
More than 60 people gathered at FCDS on Oct. 31 for the dedication of the Norris Baker Administrative Suite. The suite is a tribute to Norris Baker’s leadership and devotion to the FCDS community during his 14 years as Lower School Director.
The dedication consisted of a welcome and presentation from former lower school faculty, the unveiling of a plaque in Mr. Baker’s honor, and a reception at the Niblock Center for Intentional Living.
Mr. Baker was accompanied by his wife Kimberley and their two FCDS alumnae daughters, Rachel ’13 and Kathleen.
“I’m so happy for my Dad,” Kathleen said. “I know how much it means to him and the community, and all of his staff being back here. We’re just so happy we get to celebrate him again and bring another positive memory to Forsyth Country Day.”
Retired kindergarten teacher Dianne Baker came to show her support for Mr. Baker. “He was a great Lower School Director,” she said. “He was great with all the kids and knew all their names; that’s what I loved about him. He took care of all of us.”
Retired kindergarten teacher and Assistant Lower School Director Judith Kuhn also remembers Mr. Baker’s kindness. “Norris is one of the nicest people that I’ve ever met, and that’s the truth,” she said. “He’s a great problem solver and he’s just a wonderful person.”
Head of School Gardner Barrier spoke to past faculty as they gathered before the dedication began. “Norris led with warmth. He led with joy,” Mr. Barrier said. “Norris greeted people every day with a smile.”
This warmth was evident at the dedication ceremony. Former Lower School faculty prepared a special presentation of a school song from Mr. Baker’s time at FCDS, which they performed with gusto.
Mr. Baker unveiled the plaque in his honor, which read: In honor of longtime lower school director Norris Baker for his steadfast service and commitment to the FCDS community.
Mr. Baker is thankful to everyone who made the dedication possible. “I think it represents a distinct place and time for the school when we were here,” he said. “On behalf of everybody, this is quite an honor for me and it represents a whole lot of other friends and family.”
During his time as Lower School Director, Mr. Baker was known for ending every assembly with one specific phrase: “Make it a great day or not, the choice is yours.” His spirit and dedication have changed countless lives and helped shape FCDS into the place it is today.
Forsyth Country Day School (FCDS) is a private, college preparatory, independent school for preschool through high school located in Lewisville, NC, just outside of Winston-Salem. Students benefit from a challenging academic curriculum, fine and performing arts, competitive athletics, and a wide selection of extracurricular activities.
Non-Discrimination Policy: Forsyth Country Day School is committed to administering all education and employment activities without discrimination based on one’s race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, age, ability, gender identity, or sexual orientation.
Non-Discrimination Policy: Forsyth Country Day School is committed to administering all education and employment activities without discrimination based on one’s race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, age, ability, gender identity, or sexual orientation.
