The Distinguished Alumni Award goes to an alumnus/alumna who has made an outstanding contribution through his/her vocation or who otherwise deserves to be recognized for outstanding achievement in some field or endeavor – an individual who has “changed the world for God’s glory.”

2023 Distinguished Alumni Award – Dallis Foshee ‘18

Dallis Foshee is a native of Macon, GA, and a member of FPD’s Class of 2018. She recently graduated from the University of Georgia where she studied Fabric Design and Fashion Merchandising at the Lamar Dodd School of Art.

She had the privilege of spending her last semester this past spring studying art in Cortona, Italy. She has since started working as a Fashion and Product Designer in Atlanta, GA.

Along with her new job, she also works as a Textile Designer for a fashion brand called Holly Shae Design where she paints and designs prints for the brand’s seasonal collections.

Dallis has recently made her small art business a reality by starting Dallis Foshee Art & Design LLC, where she paints and sells fine art, fulfills commissions and custom design services for clients, as well as designing her own personal patterns for products from her artwork. Many of her beautiful works can be seen right here in the halls of FPD.

She is a proud follower of Jesus and is thankful to Him for providing her with the opportunities to do what she loves!

The FPD Service Award goes to an individual who has shown continued service and support to First Presbyterian Day School. This award is presented on an annual basis, if candidates are deemed worthy.

2023 FPD Service Award – Mary Bennet Dunwody Rose (’90)

Mary Bennet became a Viking when she transferred to FPD in 3rd grade.  She loved her  time as a student at the Day School- friends, spirit weeks, field trips, games, dances, time on the “bank”, being named Vicky Viking, and teachers that made lifelong impressions.  Mary Bennet graduated from FPD in 1990 and went on to Georgia Tech, where she met her husband, Matt Rose.

Mary Bennet later reunited with FPD when her children, Mary Bennet II and Little Matt, started their time at FPD.  It did not take long for Mary Bennet to fall in love with FPD all over again as a parent and then as an employee.  She has served as a 3K aide, nursery worker, Alumni coordinator, art camp teacher, and assistant to several heads of school during her 13 years at FPD.  Most importantly, Mary Bennet has served selflessly as a mentor and counselor to countless FPD students, faculty, and staff.  

Mary Bennet loved her time as an FPD employee and getting to know everyone on Team FPD.  Her co-workers instantly became family, and she is eternally grateful for all the love and laughter they have shared over the years.  She is especially thankful for those who taught her children and the lasting impact they’ve had on their lives.  Mary Bennet and her husband Matt continue to serve, support, and love FPD and believe that FPD is changing the world for God’s glory!