Errol Saunders, II Receives the Hopkins Medal

On Sunday, May 4, 2025, the Hopkins School community gathered in the Academic & Performing Arts Center (APAC) to honor Errol C. Saunders, II, who was awarded the Hopkins Medal for two decades of transformative service. 

Having joined the Hopkins community in 2004 as a teaching fellow at Pathfinder, Saunders has left an indelible member on Hopkins during his tenure as a faculty member in the History Department and Pathfinder administrator (since 2006). He became Executive Director of Pathfinder in 2020 after having served the program as a teacher, instructional coach, dean of students, and summer co-director over the years. His leadership of Pathfinder—formerly named Summerbridge and Breakthrough—transformed the program from a modest initiative serving 30 middle school students into a comprehensive educational program that now reaches 120 students across four grades. Designed to nurture academic excellence in middle schoolers from over 20 New Haven schools, Pathfinder expanded its curriculum and mentorship opportunities under Saunders’ guidance, empowering students to envision and achieve their educational goals.

The ceremony was attended by Saunders’ family, colleagues, and friends, who filled APAC to capacity. In her opening remarks, Gwen Evans ’84, President of the Committee of Trustees, reflected on Saunders’ lasting contributions. 

"When we thought about restarting this important tradition, Errol’s name immediately surfaced," she said. "His devotion to Hopkins and to the broader New Haven community exemplifies what this honor is all about."

Head of School Matt Glendinning echoed Evans’ sentiments during his introduction. "I cannot think of somebody more deserving than Errol," Glendinning shared. "His impact on Hopkins and New Haven is immeasurable."

In speeches that followed the opening remarks, colleagues praised Saunders’ ability to cultivate imagination and possibility in students who often faced obstacles to educational opportunity. "Errol is an effective educator because he’s genuine and incredibly thoughtful. He makes others feel seen, included, and appreciated," said Jocelyn Garrity, Director of the Junior School.

Josh Young, a science teacher, Co-Director of the Pathfinder Summer Program, and a Head Adviser to the Hopkins Class of 2026, reflected on Saunders' impact as a mentor and leader. "Errol’s presence made our team stronger," Young said. "He’s the type of advisor who is gleeful with pride when his students succeed. His joy is contagious, and his commitment to his students is unwavering."

The evening’s program featured musical performances by Hopkins students, including Daniil D. ’30 performing Beethoven’s Piano Sonata No.8 “Pathétique” (II. Adagio cantabile), and a Mozart Flute Quartet (K. 285) performed by faculty member Naomi Senzer (flute), Eleanor L. ’25 (violin), Ailene L. ’28 (viola), and Jaden L. ’25 (cello). 

When Saunders took the stage, he delivered heartfelt remarks centered on empowering young people to dream big and see themselves growing beyond what they thought possible—a value he emphasized as essential not only to individual growth but to community progress.

"There are so many kids who are smart enough, who work hard enough, and no one bothers to tell them how to imagine success," Saunders shared. "Our job as educators is to help them see what is possible, to imagine a future that perhaps they have never considered," he stated.

Saunders reflected on his own journey, recalling how mentors and educators instilled in him the belief that he could aspire to spaces where others did not imagine he would belong. His role at Pathfinder allowed him to return that gift of imagination to the students of New Haven, helping them envision possibilities beyond immediate circumstance.

The evening concluded with the presentation of the Hopkins Medal, marking Saunders’ departure from Hopkins as he prepares to join the Cambridge School community in Boston this fall. "You are a force for the betterment of the Hopkins community," Glendinning remarked before presenting him the medal alongside Evans. "We are better because of you, and we will miss you deeply," he added.

For Saunders, the medal represents a continuation of his work to cultivate imagination and opportunity. 

"If you are honest with yourselves about what legacy I am leaving," Saunders urged the crowd, "Every single time you think, 'That’s too much work, I will not do it,' but it would help a kid imagine themselves better, do it."

Watch the full ceremony below:

 

Look for a feature on Saunders’ legacy in the August edition of VIEWS from the Hill.

The Hopkins Medal is awarded periodically to a member of the Hopkins community in recognition of unparalleled commitment, devotion, and loyalty to the School. It is the School’s highest honor and has only been awarded 23 times since its inception in 1994.

1994 F. Allen Sherk
1995 John M. Heath
1996 Elizabeth Bradley Benedict 1940 DAY
1997 Anna Bowditch
1998 Paul M. Weissman 1948 HGS
1999 Thomas Rodd, Jr.
2000 Kenneth A. Paul, Jr. 1968 HGS
2001 Vincent A. Calarco
2002 Susan Wintringham Crosby 1955 PHS & Sumner McK. Crosby, Jr.
2003 Mark G. Sklarz 1963 HGS
2004 John C. Malone 1959 HGS
2005 William J. Kneisel 1965 HGS
2006 Peter H. Wells
2007 David F. Swensen
2008 Noreen McCartney Haffner
2009 The Reverend John Davenport
2010 Jane Aries Levin and Richard C. Levin
2011 Linda Calarco
2012 David I. Newton 1967 HGS
2013 Barbara Hanscom
2014 Thomas A. Parr Jr.
2019 Richard A. Ferguson 1963 HGS
2025 Errol C. Saunders II