Honorary Trustees at Saint Edward’s

On March 20, 2025, we hosted current and former trustees, their spouses and the Leadership Team in the lower school courtyard for a special Honorary Trustee event. Mr. Rick McDermott served the Board at Saint Edward’s for 17 years, his last year being the 2023-24 school year. Rick’s dedication, wisdom and leadership have left a lasting mark on Saint Edward’s School. His tenure was marked by passion, vision and an unwavering commitment to excellence.

Mr. Mike Mersky, the 7th Head of School at Saint Edward’s, traveled from a family gathering at Myrtle Beach to attend and speak. He worked with Rick for the majority of Rick’s tenure on the Board. Mrs. Wendy Porter, the current Board Chair, also spoke. Wendy and Rick go back almost a decade together in serving Saint Edward’s.

Under Rick’s stewardship, we have seen Saint Edward’s grow in remarkable ways. Rick’s expertise and influence has helped to strengthen our financial foundation. Rick would be the first to say it was a team effort, but as Chair of the Investment Committee, our endowment went from $8.6 million to over $25 million. This tremendous growth has helped elevate our standing as one of the premier independent schools in Florida. His leadership has not only shaped policies and initiatives but has also fostered a culture of excellence, integrity and service, values that define what it means to be a part of the Saint Edward’s family.

About the Honorary Lifetime Trustee Award:

The Honorary Lifetime Trustee Award is given to a Trustee who has served a significant amount of time on our Board of Trustees and is bestowed upon the recipient in recognition of extraordinary contributions to the strategic direction of Saint Edward’s School as a Trustee.

The Honoree’s selfless nature in terms of time, effort, resources and commitment has been balanced by the willingness and ability to ask the hard questions and do anything necessary to move us closer to fulfilling our mission as a School. Along the way, the Honoree has made the School better for everyone and has acted as a steward and as an ambassador for the School’s future success.

There are currently 57 Honorary Lifetime Trustees at Saint Edward’s. We stand on the shoulders of the giants who came before us. This group dates back to 1965, some of whom were founding Board members. We are fortunate to have so many people that have shaped the institution we recognize today and look forward to continued success as we graduate the leaders of tomorrow.

I look forward to seeing you around campus!

Stuart