Honoring an Exemplary Leader

The legacy of Ingrid Moore — beloved Lower School division director, dedicated leader, and friend to all — will be honored on December 9, 2023, when her family is presented with her posthumous Ed.D. diploma at Virginia Commonwealth University’s graduation ceremony. Mrs. Moore, who was working toward her Ed.D., died on March 20, 2023, from cancer. 

Mrs. Moore, who began her tenure at Steward in 2015, was a committed educator whose wisdom, humor, and warmth were matched only by her love for children of all ages. She believed wholeheartedly in the wonder of play and its transformative power in the lives of children and those who teach them. 

Fittingly, her family created The Ingrid Moore Champions of Play Award, which will be supported by an endowed fund established by contributions made to The Steward School in her honor. The award, presented annually to a Steward faculty member from any division, pays homage to the unwavering priority Mrs. Moore gave to children and their teachers, and it celebrates her belief that play is a pathway to a lifetime love of learning. Your gift to the Champions of Play Award ensures that Spartans of all ages benefit from the power of play and the magic it inspires.

Head of School Dan Frank said, “Ingrid Moore was a cherished member of our school community, and her loss is deeply felt. Faculty and staff admired her, students adored her, and parents looked to her for guidance. The fact that she was working toward an advanced degree even while undergoing treatment for cancer speaks to her commitment to continually grow and learn. The Steward community is immensely proud of this remarkable leader and scholar.”  

This fall, Mrs. Moore’s family lovingly had an October Glory Maple tree planted on the Lower School playground — one of her favorite places on campus. The hope is that it will one day be perfect for climbing! In addition, a memorial bench, engraved with Mrs. Moore’s name and three hearts, now graces a sunny spot along the Colonnade.