Members of the Board of Trustees joined faculty and members of the Hermes family for a formal dedication honoring Mr. Hermes, who died earlier this year. He spent 65 years with the school, starting as a second-grader in 1946. His varied roles included dorm parent and coach at the Upper Campus in the 1960s, board trustee, and later president and chief executive officer. He served in that capacity for 34 years.

“What an honor it was to serve with such a extraordinary man,” said William H. Hair, member and former chairman of the Board of Trustees, during the dedication ceremony. He praised Mr. Hermes for making a difference in students’ lives for nearly 50 years through his leadership, courage, and devotion to the school.

“It is mind boggling to think of the number of problems solved and opportunities grasped in all phases of school life during the three plus decades we worked together,” Mr. Hair said. “And, not only is OVS still here, but it is thriving as it enters its next century.”

In appreciation, Board Chairman Jack B. De Nault III announced that Mr. Hermes will join founding President Edward Yeomans as a President Emeritus of Ojai Valley School, and the original quadrangle at the Lower Campus will be known in perpetuity as the Hermes Quad – now marked by large boulder surrounded by native plants and a plaque bearing his name.

"The students on campus, the alumni out in the world, and all of us here today, are the beneficiaries of Mike’s courageous leadership." -- Michael Hall-Mounsey, OVS President and CEO

“The quad is the ceremonial heart of campus, hosting graduation each year,” said OVS President and CEO Michael Hall-Mounsey. “And, maybe most fittingly, the quad is boisterously enjoyed by OVS students every day. The students on campus, the alumni out in the world, and all of us here today, are the beneficiaries of Mike’s courageous leadership.”

Hall-Mounsey also announced the creation of the Michael D. Hermes Memorial Scholarships. Generously supported by the OVS Annual Fund, the scholarships offer two $10,000 awards to well-rounded day or resident applicants or current students at the Upper Campus who exemplify Mike’s commitment to character, community, scholarship, athleticism, and leadership.

Applicants for these scholarships must be currently enrolled or applied to OVS Upper Campus for the 2012/13 academic year. Applicants will be selected on merits, including grades, community involvement, leadership potential, extracurricular activities, and a written essay. The application deadline is Feb. 1.