With classical music playing in the background, Judy Graese sits in her costume studio—or her “lair” as it’s affectionately known to students—in the basement of El Pomar. School is out, summer is here, and Ms. Graese is sorting through the memories of her 55-year career at Kent Denver School.

“It's just simply been a privilege to be part of this community,” she said. “I’m not even sure it’s soaked in for sure that I’m not going to be here in the fall.”

Since 1969, Ms. Graese has been a staple on campus—devoting her time to teaching dance and art classes, as well as creating costumes for the school’s various theatre productions. Her decades of service are unprecedented.

“She is the longest-serving faculty member of our school,” Dr. Eric Chandler, Director of Upper School, said in a speech to students celebrating Ms. Graese’s retirement. “I marvel at her energy, wonderful spirit, resilience, commitment to her arts and her commitment to our school.”

To commemorate Ms. Graese’s half-century career, a special luncheon was held in her honor at the end of the school year. Former students from across the United States traveled to reminisce and share their well wishes.

“I was just so excited to see so many of my past students,” Ms. Graese said, recalling how overwhelming the turnout was. “I had a number of dance students who were my very first students in the ‘70s that were there.”

She hadn’t seen many of her former students for years, but they picked up like it was only yesterday that she was teaching them or fitting them for a costume.

“I don’t know how you thank anyone adequately for what happened there,” Ms. Graese said. “I feel like it was a wonderful opportunity to reconnect with people that I hadn't seen for so many years, and I don't want that to go away. I’d like to be able to continue with that connection.”

During the luncheon, one of Ms. Graese’s closest colleagues, Pete Ellis, shared his musings on their time together. Mr. Ellis also retired at the end of the school year after 25 years as a math and theatre teacher—all of which were spent working alongside Ms. Graese.

“Twenty-five years putting on shows together. Forty-six mainstage productions. Not to mention all the classroom projects and one-act plays. And that’s just in my time—not even half of yours,” Mr. Ellis said in his speech. “Weekends. Holidays. Early mornings. Late nights. Rain. Snow. Illness. Fatigue. Regardless of the circumstances, you were there. You showed up: for the production, for the students, for the audience, for the art, for me. You always delivered the eggs, dear friend. For all of us. And they were glorious.”

To cap off the standing room-only celebration, Head of School David Braemer presented a new award in honor of Ms. Graese’s dedicated loyalty to Kent Denver. The Judy Graese Service Award honors the longest-serving Kent Denver employee. Upon Ms. Graese’s retirement, the award was bestowed upon Maud Sullivan, who has spent the last 37 years teaching French to Kent Denver students.

When asked how it felt to be honored in such a way, Ms. Graese said, “I just don’t think that way. I just did what I did, and if people benefited from that, then I’m delighted.”

The celebration for Ms. Graese is not over. A Cast Party for performing arts alumni will be held in the evening on Friday, September 13 during Alumni Homecoming & Reunion Weekend this fall. Ms. Graese and Mr. Ellis will be in attendance as special guests. Be on the lookout for more details, and contact Hillary Hoffman '04 with questions.