MASTER TEACHER: TODD O'MALLEY
Collinus captures well Todd, our trusty go-to guy when our windows won’t open, our doors won’t shut, and our lights keep flickering. Nothing seems to fluster this quiet -- not always -- kind soul who for almost thirty years has tolerated our wishes with a smile. He is more reliable than all the guys on This Old House.
Let’s focus on Collinus’s words”
“Todd O’ Malley is a man of few words, but with one big heart. He would not even glance in my direction my first year here. I got the feeling that he was waiting it out-- seeing if I would last. By my second year, I got a glance, but no hello. I guess he was still waiting to see if I could make it to the end of the year. By my third year, I finally got a hello. It was fleeting. It was during my fourth year that he managed to say more than two words to me. He said five. Want to know what those words were? Want to go to Tom’s? (Tom’s is a local soul food joint that neither one of us had any business being in). I just laughed.
“Todd O’Malley is one of Graland’s finest. His insight and perspective into the history and culture of this community is one of the greatest contributions he brings to the school. Todd’s work with students, however, is what makes him special. I love seeing him work with them. Whether he is coaching basketball or facilitating the Boys of Color Affinity Group, Todd is more than willing to help. What I personally value about Todd is his passion and enthusiasm for diversity. His support of and for me has made my job here easier. It is during the tough times, and during the times when we can celebrate our accomplishments that my experiences with Todd have been most cherished. I know I have really done it when Todd O’Malley actually laughs at my stupidity. It is one of those laughs you will never forget once you hear it. It’s a joy!
“Todd, please know that your commitment and contributions to this community have not gone unnoticed. We appreciate what you bring. You are a man of great integrity. You are loyal, dependable, and most of all, a man of tremendous character. Your twenty years at Graland Country Day School have been filled with memories that will continue to permeate this community long after you and I are gone. Hopefully, one day, before you get too old to work, we will all reassemble in the Fieldhouse and hear these six words, ‘Welcome to the Todd O’Malley Fieldhouse!’ You are a legend, my friend. Congratulations!”
Graland Country Day School
Graland Country Day School is a private school in Denver, Colorado, serving students in preschool, kindergarten, elementary, and middle school. Founded in Denver in 1927, Graland incorporates a rich, experiential learning approach in a traditional classroom setting, emphasizing the development of globally and socially conscious leaders who excel academically.
