By Tracy Ma '06

He stands on tables to hand back papers, re-enacts scenes from literature, and even does "shimmies" to wake up his classes.

These qualities, among others, made Peter Nilsson the first recipient of the Robert E. Kaufmann Distinguished Young Teacher Chair. This new chair is given to a "younger member of the Deerfield faculty, who, in his teaching, coaching, and residential life, manifests the ideal Of the dedicated Deerfield teacher."

Since coming to campus in 2000, he has been ever-present in the lives of students. Whether biking with other Barton residents or coaching his squash team, Nilsson fills his surroundings with raucous, reassuring laughter.

The awards, which include a nice little salary bonus, were not limited to newcomers.

A member of the Deerfield faculty for 24 years, math teacher Pamela Bonanno was named the Helen Childs Boyden Chair in Science and Mathematics. Mrs. Bonanno said that she "feels privileged because Mrs. Boyden is the epitome of excellence." Mrs. Bonnano is back in the math office after her sabbatical at Columbia University.

Nicholas Albertson, who works in the History Department and college advising office, has been given the Garrett Schenck Mentor's Chair, honoring "an exceptional member of the faculty who represents the archetypal coach and mentor." In his 25 years here, Mr. Albertson has coached varsity golf, football and lacrosse, and served as the resident and associate in many dormitories.

Orlando Pandolfi received the J. Clement Schuler Distinguished Chair named after the Director of Music and member of the faculty for 11 years. Mr. Pandolfi feels "honored to continue the memory" of a man whom he met and connected with. "We had a lot of things in common.. .the same passions."