Dwight Global Visions Newsletter 2026

DWIGHT TORCHBEARER AWARD

DWIGHT GLOBAL VISIONS

A NEWSLETTER FOR THE GLOBAL

DWIGHT

COMMUNITY

WINTER 2026

DWIGHT TORCHBEARER AWARD

FRANKLIN SCHOOL JERSEY CITY GLOBAL ONLINE

GLOBAL VISIONS VOLUME 11: Torchbearers

The Dwight-Franklin Network of schools acknowledges outstanding faculty and staff through its annual Torchbearer Awards. Now in its second year, this award program recognizes employees who model the Dwight Values and Practices and demonstrate exceptional performance, commitment, and contribution to Dwight and Franklin Schools’ success.

The Torchbearer Award honors one employee at each School within our network, chosen after a review of peer or self-nominations. Each Torchbearer is then considered for the Global Torchbearer Award.

We’re proud to announce that Candace Cardwell, Humanities Teacher from Dwight New York, is our 2025-26 Global Torchbearer! Read more and watch videos about Candace and the Torchbearers from across our network in this edition of Global Visions.

Dwight School New York Torchbearer: Candace Cardwell

Humanities Teacher Candace Cardwell was selected from an impressive pool of nominees as the Dwight Torchbearer for our New York campus — and as our Global Torchbearer!

Candace is being honored for the exceptional patience, kindness, and professionalism she consistently extends to colleagues, parents, and — most of all — her students.

A devoted member of the Dwight community for a decade, she brings both expertise and heartfelt commitment to her work. Now in her second year as a faculty mentor, Candace warmly welcomes and guides new teachers into our community. She is also known for guiding students along their own unique Dwight learning journeys, helping them discover their voices and deepen their understanding.

Her empathy, reflective nature, and gift for seeing the “big picture” draw both students and faculty to her classroom — whether they are seeking insight, encouragement, or simply the warmth of her presence.

“Candace has spent ten years exemplifying what it means to be an outstanding educator at Dwight,” shares Head of School Dianne Drew. “Her unwavering compassion, dedication, and ability to connect meaningfully with students, families, and colleagues alike creates a classroom where everyone feels welcomed and supported.”

Dwight School London Torchbearer: Emily Halsall

Of our many wonderful members of staff, London selected Emily Halsall, Maths Teacher and member of the Pastoral Team, to be our Torchbearer for this academic year. Emily always puts the students’ needs above her own. No matter how busy she is, she will always make the time to help someone, whether that be staff or student.

“If a student wants to be involved, she always manages to find a way to involve them,” says Lucy Allen, Head of Pastoral, “and if they want support — either academically or emotionally — she will take time to be there for them. Emily goes above and beyond in all that she does, both in the context of maths and her additional responsibilities.”

She takes an active role, making sure everyone is valued and works hard on making girls, in particular, feel that Dwight is somewhere they belong and feel included.

As a staff member, she is wonderful to work alongside, being a massive team player and a hands-on collaborator.

“She is one of the most supportive and collaborative colleagues that I’ve ever worked with. As a teacher, she embodies the Dwight value of personalized learning, responding very carefully and very patiently to the needs of all students,” says Jo Walker, DP Coordinator.

Dwight School Seoul Torchbearer: Lauren

Vickers

Lauren Vickers has been recognized for her exceptional contributions to the Dwight community, consistently exemplifying the School’s Values and Practices through her leadership, compassion, and collaborative spirit. As Student Life Coordinator, Lauren champions student voice and identity, creating safe and empowering spaces where young people build confidence, resilience, and a strong sense of belonging. Her ability to recognize and nurture potential, especially in students who may not yet see it in themselves, reflects Dwight’s deep commitment to educating the whole child.

In her role, Lauren plays a vital part in fostering a culture of Belonging and Including. Through thoughtfully designed programs and her leadership on the BJEDI Task Force, she ensures that equity, wellbeing, and inclusion are meaningfully embedded in everyday school life. Her sensitivity to the emotional climate of the community allows her to anticipate needs and respond with care, empathy, and purpose.

Head of School Tom Ferguson shared that Lauren’s impact is “lasting, multidimensional, and deeply human.”

Lauren’s influence extends across departments, where she is widely respected for her strength in Collaboration and Teamwork. She works seamlessly with colleagues in Arts, Athletics, Pastoral Care, and Operations, bringing clarity, connection, and positive momentum. Her leadership in initiatives such as New Teacher Orientation has strengthened staff cohesion and helped new colleagues feel welcomed and supported from their very first day.

Through her integrity, empathy, and unwavering dedication, Lauren Vickers embodies the very best of Dwight’s mission and values, making her a truly deserving recipient of this award.

Qibao Dwight High School Torchbearer: Tiffany Chen

Tiffany Chen Xi’s career is a vivid embodiment of Dwight’s core values — from her roots as a dedicated English Teacher and homeroom leader to her current role as Head of the English Department. She brings Personalized Learning, Community, and Global Vision to life, while her unwavering commitment to Care and Support, Collaboration, and a Growth Mindset makes her principles actionable.

Lauded by the Head of School for her consistency, teamwork, and professionalism, Tiffany drives innovation: she breaks down complex debate skills and launched the trailblazing “English Corner” series, directly empowering QDHS second-language learners. As a leader, she nurtures collaboration, mentoring colleagues to strengthen department cohesion. For students, she strikes the perfect balance — “strict but kind,” as one put it — fostering an environment that challenges, supports, and inspires.

“Tiffany’s consistency, teamwork, reliability, and professions are clear to everyone who works with her,” says American Principal Michael Coury. “That level of steadiness is rare, and it highlights the kind of colleague, educator, and leader she has become within our community.”

Dwight School Dubai Torchbearer: Rachel Smyth

Rachel Smyth was selected as this year’s Dwight School Dubai Torchbearer for the profound impact she has on the community through her leadership, integrity, and genuine care for others.

As Head of Upper School, Rachel leads not for recognition or title, but through daily actions that inspire trust, connection, and kindness. Her influence extends far beyond her role, shaping a school culture grounded in open communication, collaboration, and mutual respect.

Rachel’s open-door policy and approachable nature have made her a trusted source of support for students, staff, and families alike. In her presence, people feel heard and valued, strengthening relationships and transforming the way the community works together. Her calm, thoughtful leadership fosters a strong sense of belonging and positivity, even during challenging moments.

“Rachel has an extraordinary ability to bring people together,” shares colleague Larissa Milne, Head of Teaching and Learning at Dwight School Dubai. “She leads with empathy, humility, and optimism, creating an environment where everyone feels supported and empowered.”

The Torchbearer Award honors those who light the way for others and Rachel does exactly that, carrying forward the values that help the Dwight community truly thrive.

In the video above: Head of Mathematics Dr. Hareem Navaid, Parent Rania Fawaz, Saja Soliman ’27, Quest Teacher Viviana Kontogeorgou, Community and Event Manager Kim Ashlin, Parent Cristiana Benga, Sara Kashman ’26, Parents Mr. and Mrs. Momme, English & Drama Teacher and Dean of Students for Grade 6 Jacques Kilian

Dwight School Hanoi Torchbearer: Hank Hoang

Dwight School Hanoi is proud to recognize Ms. Hank Hoang, Head of School Office Manager, as its 2025–26 Torchbearer Award recipient.

Hank embodies the spirit of this Torchbearer Award in every sense, exemplifying Dwight’s Values and Practices and making a meaningful impact on Dwight Hanoi through service, leadership, and care. Her work consistently ignites the Spark of Genius in those around her — often quietly, always impactfully.

Nominated by her peers, Hank is recognized as a visible, dependable, and highly collaborative colleague who strengthens the school through her ability to connect people, ideas, and cultures. She manages complex responsibilities across students, faculty, staff, families, and the broader Dwight network with professionalism, clarity, and warmth. Whether coordinating sensitive communications, supporting schoolwide initiatives, or stepping in wherever help is needed, Hank brings calm, creativity, and purpose to every task. “She consistently turns challenges into opportunities,” says Deputy Head of School Mr. Hayter.

Most notably, Hank’s impact is not defined by a single achievement, but by the consistency of her presence and the many moments in which she ensures others feel supported, valued, and connected. Her work reflects the very best of the Dwight School Hanoi community.

Franklin School Torchbearer: Diana Stravoiu

Director of Admissions and Enrollment Diana Stravoiu has been chosen as Franklin School’s 2025-26 Torchbearer. Her unwavering commitment to families throughout their enrollment process and beyond is unparalleled. A part of Franklin since its inception, her warm nature welcomed families to join a school that wasn’t even finished being built. Multiple students reflected on Diana’s care during the admissions process to make them feel seen and heard. “Ms. Stravoiu helped me envision what the school would become, and after I heard that, I knew I had a place here,” said Aiden ’26.

Diana gives families the confidence they need to become engaged community members, while assuring our School admits students who exemplify our vision, mission, and values.

Diana also conceived and runs our Admissions Ambassador Program, where students describe our program at Open Houses and other admissions events. She encourages students to speak in front of crowds of over 120 people about their experiences at Franklin, as early as 9th grade, thoughtfully preparing and mentoring students before each Open House.

As Franklin graduates its inaugural year, once shy and timid 13-year-olds are leaving confident 18-year-olds, thanks to Diana’s constant support of our students and mission.

Dwight Global Online School Torchbearer: Rafael Velez

World Languages Teacher Rafael Velez has been selected from an outstanding pool of candidates as the 2025-26 Dwight Torchbearer for Dwight Global Online School. Since August 2020, when Rafa joined Dwight Global, he has been a quiet leader, setting the standard for how to ignite our students’ passion for language in an online classroom.

Rafa stands out for his brilliant use of engaging and innovative lesson designs and personalized strategies that allow students to fully immerse themselves in Spanish, regardless of their level.

Additionally, Rafa is a key member of the World Languages Department, always willing to share his ideas and projects as well as mentor new online teachers. A student in Mr. Velez’s class says, “I’m not ever afraid to make a mistake because he is so kind and such an amazing teacher.”

Rafa not only embodies what it means to be a Dwight Global teacher, but he has created a lasting impact on our community through his innovative teaching practices, student care, and the value he places on collaborating with colleagues.