2025 Retirements

* As seen in the May 2025 edition of the Bagpiper. Written by Giselle Bland ’27, Maggie Kniskern ’26, and Rachel Aron ’26.

 

Señora Anita Orr 

Whether known as an alumna of Saint Andrew’s, an Upper School Spanish teacher, our Marshal for chapel, a member of the Cum Laude Society, a part of our Model UN Club, or a member of the Alumni Board, Señora Anita Orr, after attending Saint Andrew’s for three years and teaching here for 30 years, will retire at the end of this school year.

Señora Orr began as a student at Saint Andrew’s in grade 10 and is a member of the Class of 1980. She started teaching here as a Middle School French and Spanish teacher, later moving into the Upper School, teaching classes such as Spanish III honors, Spanish IV honors, and AP Spanish Language and Culture.

She’s been inspired to remain a teacher throughout her career by students, seeing their connection-making process and building confidence in their language as compelling. 

“Seeing students make connections and having the confidence to continue on the road to bilingualism inspires me to be a teacher,” said Señora Orr. 

In addition, Señora Orr wishes the students in her class to take a key message away, one that expresses appreciation for the Spanish language and cultures.

She hopes students have “belief in themselves, belief in their abilities, and a love for learning, especially learning languages,” said Señora Orr.

Dr. Elle Anthony, the World Language department chair, spoke highly of Señora Orr's dedication to collaboration and learning at SA.

"Any meeting that we have or anytime that we have to collaborate, she is a teacher who wants to learn about others and what they're doing," said Dr. Anthony.

Beyond the classroom, Señora Orr has played a significant role in fostering a sense of community. Dr. Schipper, a close colleague, emphasized how important Señora Orr has been to both the school and the Model UN program, in which she’s served as a chaperone for the last several conferences.

“She’s been such a blessing to both me and Model UN. We really wouldn’t be where we are right now without her,” said Dr. Schipper.

Students have also felt the impact of Señora Orr’s dedication. Grade 10 student Diego Lombana, a student who has worked closely with her in the classroom and during advisory, reflected on her guidance.

“She gives good advice. She's a person that you could talk to about anything,” said Lombana.

Our Head of School, Mr. Ethan Shapiro, also emphasized her profound impact at SA over the years.

"It's really hard to overstate how beneficial and positive it is to have somebody that cares so much, does such a good job, [and] impacts generations of students and dozens of colleagues as well," said Mr. Shapiro.

As Señora Orr prepares for retirement, she expressed her confidence in the school's future.

“I think it's time to also allow new, young, inspired teachers to come in and continue the mission of the school. I'm leaving Saint Andrew's in a phenomenal place. It is definitely in a better place than when I found it when I first started teaching,” said Señora Orr.

During retirement, Señora Orr wishes to travel, spend time with her family, especially her grandchildren, and enjoy gardening.

Her retirement marks the end of an era for Saint Andrew's, but her legacy of dedication, mentorship, and passion for language will continue to influence the school community for years to come.

Anita Orr as Marshall leading the Class of 2025 to the Chapel of Saint Andrew for the Commencement ceremony.

 

Mr. Robert Ercolano

Mr. Robert Ercolano, a long-standing woodwind instructor in the performing arts department, is retiring this spring. Mr. Ercolano previously worked as a freelance musician, both abroad and in the Baltimore-Washington, DC area, before joining the Saint Andrew’s community in 2009.

In the years following, he has had a sixteen-year career in Boca Raton at Saint Andrew’s, working with students across all three divisions.

Arda Boylu, a senior, said, “Mr. E. has helped me grow so much as a flute player. I’m so glad to have had a teacher and advisor like him, and I’m sure many others feel the same way.”

Mr. Ercolano has contributed in a myriad of ways beyond his responsibilities as a teacher and advisor.

Ms. Catherine Jennings, Dean of Studies and Interim Head of the Performing Arts Department, earlier this year, said, “He has contributed to a wide range of after-school activities over the years, including chapel performances, participation in the pit orchestra for school productions, and being another set of hands backstage. His commitment to supporting students both in and beyond the classroom has made a lasting impact on our community”.

His philosophy on teaching and music is undoubtedly the result of a lifetime of experience and his own love of the discipline. 

“ Music is like a magnifying glass of life. You learn through a series of failures, and it's okay to fail because that makes you better. Anything worth doing is worth doing well– and if you want to do something well, you [have] to practice at it,” he said.

Mr. Ercolano’s colleagues echo the sentiment that he has added something unique to the department. “ He's brought a certain discipline and fairness to his classroom, [in] the way he deals with his students,” said Mr. Tom Stancampiano. “He’s influenced us all”.

Ms. Emily Nichols, the Band Director, cites Mr. Ercolano as part of her own inspiration to learn more instruments. “He’s kind of a guru of the woodwinds, and it’s really rare to have somebody who's so technically proficient on all of the instruments, ” Ms. Nichols said.

Mr. Ercolano says he will miss working with enthusiastic beginners the most after he leaves Saint Andrew’s.  “ I have a pretty cool group of sixth graders this year. It's great to see them enjoy it, practice, and move on to the next level,” he said.

Mr. Ercolano will enjoy his retirement in North Carolina. What he looks forward to most is being able to play music on his own terms.

 “I’m not done. I’ll just be in a different chapter,” he said.

Robert Ercolano (second from left) posing with fellow SA veterans on Veterans Day.

 

Mr. Jim Balmer

From being part of choirs to leading them in front of parents, colleagues, and the former First Lady Michelle Obama, Mr. Balmer has run the Saint Andrew’s Lower, Middle, and Upper School choral program for the past six years and will retire at the end of this school year.

Mr. Balmer’s love for music began when he was a little boy.

“I always sang in choirs from when I was very young, and my whole family sang all the time,” he said.

Before his time here at Saint Andrew’s, Mr. Balmer taught at Avon Old Farms, Belmont Hill, Fairfield Country Day, and Choate Rosemary Hall.

 At Avon Old Farms School, Mr. Balmer and his wife, Mary Nelson, built the Choral Music program.

“We founded the Avon Old Farms Men's Chorale and the Riddlers a cappella ensemble. We taught choir, music history, music theory, and we directed the school musicals,” Mr. Balmer said.

Their Chorale competed in national seminar competitions, and in 1994, they were named the top high school choir at the seminar.

Currently, at Saint Andrew’s, Mr. Balmer teaches choir in all three divisions and leads the Tartan Singers and Scots Choir.

“They support one another at a very humane level of being kind to one another and supporting each other,” Mr. Balmer said of his choir classes.

Students who have had the privilege of working with Mr. Balmer felt his passion and connection to his work.

Freshman Bella Nazzaro said, “Mr.Balmer is such a great teacher, and I always look forward to his class. I’m so glad I got to take choir with him before he retires!”

Mrs.Jennings, Dean of Studies, who served as  Interim Performing Arts Department chair earlier this year, praised Mr. Balmers' impact at Saint Andrew’s.

“Whether leading rehearsals or cheering on his students from the sidelines, Mr. Balmer brought steady leadership and a deep commitment to his students. His influence has helped shape the musical life of Saint Andrew’s, and we are truly grateful for all he has given,” Ms. Jennings said.

Upon retirement, Mr. Balmer plans to continue pursuing his passions for singing, conducting, and composing music. He also plans to golf, cycle, garden, and walk.

Even though Mr. Balmer will no longer be physically present on campus, his spirit will continue to live on through Donut Fridays, students, and performances.

Jim Balmer speaking on stage during a concert with the Scots choir.