Durham Academy Magazine 

F. Robertson Hershey Distinguished Faculty Award

Lori Hanks, Kindergarten Teacher

By Melissa Mack, Director of Digital Learning and Innovation

Since joining the Durham Academy faculty in 2018, kindergarten teacher Lori Hanks has made her classroom a place of learning where joy and wonder are the center of all she does, but her true magic isn’t confined to academics. Lori’s superpower is her ability to see each human for who they are, to make them feel valued and to build relationships that last for years. As one colleague shares, “Lori’s radiant love of children extends to parents, to fellow teachers, to our facilities crew and to anyone who crosses her path. She has a sunny disposition, a gentle spirit, an authentic interest in people of all ages and a contagious respect for others — their victories, their challenges and their realest selves.” 

Raised in a rural Virginia town of a few hundred people, Lori developed a love of school early in life. It was in this community at Brunswick Academy — the school she attended from kindergarten through 12th grade — that her teachers helped Hanks see that school could be a blend of learning and joy, inspiring her to know that her future path would include education. That path would enrich the lives of hundreds of students and parents for years to come. 

To her colleagues, she is a trusted and respected foundational member of the community — someone who is relatable, empathetic and honest. By being herself, she has shown time and time again that she is someone her colleagues can rely on. “Lori does not ever have to be asked to do something,” a colleague shares. “She reads the room, the school, the students, the other teachers, and she just MAKES. IT. HAPPEN.” This includes grabbing the mic to lead an assembly, collaborating on a new idea with a positive attitude or listening with compassion on a day that doesn’t go as planned. Lori is someone who shows up in the ways that matter, without asking anything in return.

As an educator, Lori makes foundational skills come alive through hands-on, meaningful experiences and celebrates each child’s progress in ways that build their confidence. But just as important to her is instilling in her students the values of kindness, responsibility and authenticity. As one colleague shares, “What stands out most about Lori is how deeply she knows and cares for each of her students. Lori meets EVERY child where they are — academically, socially and emotionally — and supports them with patience, insight and genuine compassion. Lori doesn’t just teach kindergarten — she shapes how children see themselves as learners and as people.” 

Her uncanny ability to see her students for who they are doesn’t stop in the classroom. She is often found cheering on and catching up with her current and former students at DA events — from sporting events and performances, to the Turkey Trot and the All-School Family Festival. Lori is someone whom students are drawn to like a magnet, and she greets each one with a smile and a hug as they catch up on the big and small moments of their lives. 

Lori goes above and beyond to partner with parents and caregivers for the good of her students. This may mean checking on her students multiple times a day when they are out sick or extending a late-afternoon parent conference. In the words of one of her Owl parents: 

“I constantly marvel at how much love Mrs. Hanks pours into my child. And having witnessed her shower that love on the other 18 students in her class, I’ve often wondered: How does one person have so much love to share? How does she manage, year after year, to fully know each child, to uncover and celebrate the unique strengths of every single one, to empathize and adjust when they face challenges? 

“Just this morning, my child made a silent wish upon a stray eyelash. Not long after, as we talked about her soon moving on from the Preschool, she said with a sly smile, “Well, if wishes come true, maybe I won’t.” And who could blame her? It’s hard to imagine a happier place than in the warm light of Lori Hanks.”

With gratitude for her willingness to share her light with us all, it is a pleasure to celebrate Lori Hanks as the 2026 F. Robertson Hershey Distinguished Faculty Award winner.

Editor’s note: 

Melissa Mack was the 2025 recipient of the F. Robertson Hershey Distinguished Faculty Award for Excellence in Teaching. The Hershey Award was presented to Lori Hanks in May 2026 at Preschool Closing Exercises.