In October, Grymes families and friends gathered to celebrate the remarkable life and legacy of Dr. Penny Work. It was a wonderfully joy-filled event – reflective of the way Penny lived her life and served as Grymes Head of School over her thirteen-year tenure.
Grymes alumna Nora Butterfield ’21, longtime faculty member Pat Barnhardt, and former board chair David Perdue delivered moving tributes to Penny, and a convivial spirit marked the celebration.
Thanks to a recent $1 million campaign gift in Penny’s memory, the Grymes Board of Trustees has named our soon-to-be renovated school auditorium The PennyWork Center for the Arts.
Penny loved the arts and delighted in welcoming all to our school. Whether making her own assembly presentation or introducing a special event such as a class play, declamation day, or 8th-grade speech, Penny made our school auditorium her classroom. A teacher at heart, she touched the hearts of all who entered this space, and we are thrilled that, once renovated, it will always be associated with her warmth and smile, her leadership and love for all things Grymes.
Penny was a dear friend and a leader who left a lasting legacy that has helped us launch and build momentum for The Campaign for Grymes: Building for the Next 75. It is a privilege to celebrate both her life and the extraordinary gift that ensures her contributions and joyful spirit will always be remembered at Grymes. Thank you for celebrating with us! We look forward to sharing more updates and ways you can be involved in our campaign.
