WILL BEST
Nearly thirty years ago, Mr. Will Best was working security at his church, Bethel Gospel Assembly.“ A connection I had made through the church knew the building manager at Saint David’ s. Shortly after, I interviewed with Headmaster Don Maiocco, and the rest is history.” Affectionately known to all as“ Mr. Best” he is still a member of the same church 29 years later.“ I became a Deacon in 2002, and Saint David’ s has maintained a tradition of donating during Thanksgiving through the annual Food Drive.” The connection runs deep to the present day.“ When I started here( in 1997) it was a different century,” he recalled.“ My work began in the townhouse, this was a time when the lunch room was in the auditorium and the gym was in another building. The physical change of the school has been great.” When asked what has been his most memorable moment at East 89th Street, Mr. Best’ s pride was evident,“ Singing‘ Precious Lord, Take My Hand’ is an annual tradition,” he explained. During each Upper School MLK Chapel, a Saint David’ s boy recites Martin Luther King Jr.’ s“ I Have a Dream” speech, followed by Mr. Best’ s rendition of Dr. King’ s favorite hymn.“ This is an example of the greatness of Saint David’ s,” Best shares.“ It( recognizing the significance) keeps the dream alive, and although I’ m a building services employee, I’ m asked to join the community in a different element( singing) in these moments.” During the annual Christmas Assembly, Mr. Best is also proud to sing“ Merry Christmas, Baby,” a Wilson Pickett-inspired version alongside several other faculty and staff members.“ It’ s been a good journey,” he concluded.“ Seeing several generations pass through, I’ m always pleased to hear many( alums) recall the MLK Chapel as one of their favorite moments. Saint David’ s is a place where all departments are equal, and the school has shown appreciation for who I am- and I’ m thankful for that.”
CHRIS MURPHY
The year was 1996, the Yankees were on their way to winning a World Series title, and’ 96 proved to be an important year for Mr. Chris Murphy as well.“ I didn’ t know where Saint David’ s was or what I was getting into,” he joked with an ear-to-ear grin.“ And it would become the best decision of my life.” In responding to an ad in The New York Times for a part-time coaching position, Murphy would soon discover that his career path would be defined by the steps that followed.“ I interviewed with Pedro( Morales) at the 94th Street gym location, he couldn’ t have been nicer or more welcoming- and that set the tone for all that was to follow.” Shortly after joining the program in a part-time capacity, Coach Murphy’ s involvement in the hockey program( 1997) would later spur a 15-year period of running the program( 2009-2023) and culminating with Assistant Athletic Director duties in 2024.“ I assisted Dr. O’ Halloran in transforming Saint David’ s hockey into a school-run program, and that was a very significant shift,” he shared.“ I have spent half of my life at Saint David’ s- and when you love what you do, that time goes by quickly.” From leading Saint David’ s Hockey to travelling as a chaperone during the annual Italy trip to leading formative Lower School sports activities, Murphy’ s mark has been consistent over four decades.“ From Will Arias to Pedro Morales, these are my brothers,” he stated.“ They have set the standard- we’ ve been through the good and bad together; supporting and comforting. From my first day( here), I’ ve been a part of a family and I’ ve been taken care of- I want to pay that back now for the next generation to follow.” Saint David’ s generations of alums are another vital aspect of Murphy’ s impact.“ Tradition never graduates and I’ m so proud of all the young men that have come through our program, seeing their growth is so gratifying,“ Murphy concluded.“ I’ m lucky.” And so is Saint David’ s.
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