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Known for her enthusiasm and creativity, math specialist Regina Karwacki likes to make learning math a celebration for lower schoolers. Last night, the celebration was all about Karwacki.

At the conclusion of the annual winter faculty-staff meeting, Karwacki received the Major Louis E. “Doc” Lamborn Master Teaching Chair from Headmaster Charlie Britton.

Colleagues stood and applauded as Karwacki made her way to the Ceres M. Horn Theatre stage to accept congratulations and a silver bowl from the headmaster. Behind her was husband Tom, who raised his wife's arm like a champion as the audience cheered.

In his tribute, Britton described Karwacki as Superwoman. She was hired in August 1995, filling a late opening for a key position as a first grade teacher. Ten years later, in 2005, she became a math specialist.

"She can outwork even her most devoted colleagues," said Britton. "She is a master of the science and art of teaching. She has a special affinity for genuinely gifted students and inspires even the youngest of them to plumb the depths of their talents and reach the heights of their capabilities."

Britton read from a letter of appreciation sent to Head of Lower School Noreen Lidston in 1998 from appreciative parents.

“'We are especially grateful to Regina Karwacki. She has left a lasting impression on [our son]. As a teacher, she will stand out for the rest of his life. Within the course of nine months, she has transformed him into a socially confident, independent young person. She brings out the strengths of each child in the classroom and uses these strengths to build their confidence. ...Regina Karwacki is a loving and caring individual with a mother’s touch.'"

Karwacki gave up her first grade classroom in 2005 to teach math to lower schoolers especially gifted in the subject. To boost learning, she created math videos for students and parents to view online. And to spread enthusiasm for math among all lower schoolers, she invented and produced the first annual math carnival in 2009.

Britton also acknowledged Karwacki's devotion and passion. "She is ever loyal to her lunchtime duties, and she is Queen of the Carpool Line. She is an extraordinary teacher, mentor, colleague, and friend. She pours her heart into her work, her family, her faith, and her exercise routine! She cooks, sews, paints, decorates, and gardens. She can do it all. She is Superwoman!"

Three years ago, Mara Daniel was the first to be awarded the Doc Lamborn Chair. This chair is McDonogh's first and only Endowed Chair for a Master Teacher. It recognizes excellent teachers who have been at McDonogh for fifteen or more years.

The Major Louis E. "Doc" Lamborn Chair was established with the generous gifts of 13 alumni from the classes of 1943 to 1957. Longtime headmaster Doc Lamborn was a visionary leader. During his 26-year tenure from 1926 to 1952, he saved McDonogh from financial ruin and transformed this place into a leading independent school. Doc pushed for the acceptance of pay students. He kept McDonogh going through the Great Depression, he grew the physical plant, and he temporarily revamped our educational mission during the war years to produce great scholars and soldiers.

Said Britton, "I would argue that Doc's greatest contribution was his philosophy. Doc once said, 'I believe that the only excuse for an independent school is that the school approaches each student as though he or she were the only student in that institution.' We continue to reap the benefits of his great leadership."

Endowed chairs enrich McDonogh's academic community by honoring and recognizing great teaching as well as commitment to the McDonogh community.