The Will J. Hancock Unsung Hero Award is given to business officers who have made extraordinary contributions to their schools and exemplify exceptional integrity, knowledge and motivation. At the end of each school year, new Unsung Heroes receive their award from their head of school, often at a significant school occasion such as a board meeting or an all-school ceremony. What makes these Unsung Heroes so special? The highlights below come straight from their colleagues' nominations.
Title: Chief Financial Officer
School: Avon Old Farms School, Avon, Connecticut
Financial thought leader: Orenstein “treats the school’s finances as if they are his own, and safely guards them to insure the use of funds is in line with the mission of the school,” attested Jackie Moore, controller at Avon Old Farms School. Orenstein is also willing to share his financial knowledge with the larger business officer community, participating and in leadership roles for the associations ABOPS and BAHS over the course of his 11 years in the business office.
Campus renovator: Orenstein oversaw several challenging and complex campus projects, including major renovations as well as new construction projects. He consistently managed a clean budget and smooth operations for these projects, even with the challenges of scheduling during summer weeks and the engineering challenges of working with historic buildings.
Other duties as assigned: Over the years, Orenstein has chaperoned many spring school trips, participated with students on Habitat for Humanity projects and taught a class on personal finance. “He cares about the finances of the school, but he cares more about our students! His [willingness to participate in student events] demonstrates his willingness and desire to be a part of the community.”
After school: In his own time, Orenstein volunteers for a number of charities, including being an active fundraising committee member for the Cherish the Children Foundation and the Easter Seals Rehabilitation golf tournament.
