Chris Steele was a 1982 graduate of Charles Wright.  As a student, he threw himself at what Charles Wright offered. He played soccer, took an active part in Donn Laughlin’s drama productions, both backstage and onstage, and was a talented art student. His particular love was the outdoors, and those who went on trips with Chris recall his passionate enthusiasm for hiking and climbing. Chris died of cancer in 2002 after a long struggle. His family and friends have established an award in his memory, an award to honor a Charles Wright staff member who has made an outstanding contribution to the school and its students and faculty.

This year’s recipient of the Chris Steel Award brings a high level of efficiency, professionalism, and most of all a wonderful sense of camaraderie to the maintenance staff. If you make a request, no matter how small it may seem, you always get the feeling that it is important to him.  No job is ever too small or unimportant.  It is clear that he cares as much about the people he works with at Charles Wright as he cares about his own family and that he cares as much about his work here as he cared when we ran his own small business.

He makes sure he fully understands every request and explains thoroughly all the options.  He ensures that the work gets done well and with a sense of urgency. He plays a very important role in ensuring that behind the scenes everything works efficiently and effectively so that our facilities are always ready for our students, teachers, coaches and parents.

In one particular situation, this year’s award recipient came up an innovative new way to set up the school’s batting cage in the Dome.  It used to take four people six hours to set up the cages and it had to be taken down and put back up frequently.  This staff member figured out a pulley system so it now takes one person just five minutes to complete the set up.

A member of CWA’s staff since 2006 and maintenance lead since 2007, this year’s recipient of the Chris Steele Award for outstanding service by a staff member is Randy Scafturon.