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: Executive Director of Finance and Facilities
School: Saint John's Preparatory School, Collegeville, Minnesota
“In a time when people change careers frequently, the stability that Sherry has demonstrated is not only admirable for others in the building but a hallmark of Benedictine education as passed on by our religious founders."
Superpower: Super glue. In her 11 years at Saint John’s Preparatory School, Sherry Krebsbach provided operational and emotional stability during periods of leadership turnover. “She continues to serve as a granite bedrock for the school … and as a bridge between eras of leadership over the past 11 years,” wrote staff member Richard Crawford in his nomination. “In a time when people change careers frequently, the stability that Sherry has demonstrated is not only admirable for others in the building but a hallmark of Benedictine education as passed on by our religious founders. She is the glue that holds us all together.”
Grant guru: As a result of Krebsbach’s “relentless tenacity and endurance,” the school recently received two state and federal grants totaling $300,000 that will be used to bolster the safety and security of the school’s facilities. “She approached the entire grant application process with the heart of a learner, documenting each step and figuring out ways to share her hard-won knowledge with others in the independent school world, as well as other religious non-profit groups,” said Crawford.
Fundraising pro: Krebsbach collaborated with staff, donors and contractors to successfully complete a $5.5 million renovation of a campus dormitory. “The renovation not only provides students a secure and modern home, but also addressed millions of dollars in deferred maintenance,” said Crawford.
Professional leader: Krebsbach serves on the ISACS Accreditation Review Committee, and frequently uses her years of experience as a business officer to help other schools with their individual accreditations.
