News & Photos - Media Hub - McDonogh School

News & Photos

Halyna Fried Awarded Eyth Teaching Chair


Middle School teacher Halyna Fried was presented with the Howard C. “Dutch” Eyth Endowed Teaching Chair at the all-school faculty and staff meeting on Thursday, February 2. In keeping with tradition, before announcing her name Headmaster Charlie Britton kept the audience in suspense as he described the seventh recipient of the award.

Britton began the presentation saying, "Tonight’s chair recipient is a true role model of energy, organization, hard work, love of subject, and dedication to the craft of teaching. Just like Dutch himself, this honoree has served McDonogh as both a math teacher and a coach."

Britton shared that Fried's dedication to her students, her department, her division, and her school was evident in comments from friends, parents, and colleagues alike. He said, "A friend describes her as an amazing person whose dedication to students and players is unwavering. She holds herself to extremely high standards and she expects the same of every young person she teaches or coaches. She wants the best from them every day; not only in the classroom or on the field, but, most importantly, in who they are as people.”

He told the audience of Fried's peers that a parent described how willing and even eager she is to provide continuing support to any student who needs it. And he shared that her colleagues say her singular focus is on how she can help her students learn and grow. Britton explained, "This includes giving her own personal best every day and reaching out to other teachers as well."

Fried began her career at McDonogh in 2001 as a Middle School science teacher. Britton noted that she earned the distinction of becoming a Nationally Board Certified Teacher. He continued, "While this credential is impressive, her true talent reveals itself in her day-to-day work with students in the classroom and players on the athletic field. Her students embrace her enthusiasm for math and benefit from her steady support."

After having served as McDonogh's Varsity Field Hockey Coach for more than 14 years, Fried currently coaches the sport on the Middle School level. In addition to teaching and coaching, Fried has also taken on many leadership roles including Seventh Grade Dean and the Middle School Character and Service Coordinator. Currently she serves as Middle School Math Department Chair.

Halyna Fried will hold the Howard C. “Dutch” Eyth Teaching Chair for three years. Past recipients of the honor include: Des Corcoran, Dave Harley, Jeff Sanborn, Andy Motsko, Nancy Fleury, and Olivia Grant.