Judy McDaniel lived a life filled with joy, love and kindness —and she poured that life into the Hollis Brookline School District and its students.
In 2002, Judy pursued a new direction in her life and career when she became a mathematics teacher at Hollis Brookline High School. Over her 23 years as an educator, colleague, and mentor, she brought her sparkling intelligence, deep curiosity, and awe-inspiring kindness to every interaction she had in the classroom, in the hallways, and on the sidelines of cross-country and track meets, where she volunteered and spectated for many years. Some of the highlights of her time at Hollis Brookline included chaperoning student trips to France and singing alongside her faculty and staff colleagues at the annual HBHS Guitar Night. Judy frequently expressed that what she truly enjoyed most about teaching was spending time with her students. She took joy in meeting students of all ages and ability levels with warmth and generosity. Her guidance and advice inspired countless young HBHS students to pursue their goals beyond the walls of the school. She cherished her decades-long friendships with colleagues at HBHS in and beyond the Math Department.
We miss her every day at HBHS. The halls sparkle a little less without her radiant smile and goofy math puns and the grace with which she held herself in every interaction.
Judy planned to retire this June. It breaks our hearts that we never had a chance to celebrate all that Judy contributed to our school, our community and especially our students. In her memory, the HBHS Mathematics Department wants to honor her legacy and celebrate her career by awarding a scholarship to a graduating senior that reflects her values—kindness, grace, hard work, and resilience.
Funds raised will be used to award a scholarship to a member of the Hollis Brookline High School Class of 2026 this June. If we collect more funds than anticipated, we will either award a scholarship in future years until funds run out or will establish and sustain the scholarship (including any costs involved in setting it up and administering it through an appropriate scholarship account, foundation, or school-approved process).
If you knew Judy, worked with her, learned from her, or simply believe in investing in young people, we would be grateful for your support. Thank you for helping us carry Judy's legacy forward. There was no one like her in this world.