Morning Front Desk Coordinator Valerie Johnson will be retiring at the end of the school year after five years of welcoming students and families into the front doors of MFS. 

For faculty and students, Johnson has been a constant presence at the front desk in Stokes Hall, often one of the first faces they see each day. Known for her friendly and welcoming personality, she has also played an important role in shaping the school’s environment.

Looking back on her time at the school, Johnson said the connections she built stand out the most. 

“The relationships that I formed with the students and the families have been pretty special,” said Johnson, “I’m going to really, really miss that.”

From her position at the front desk, Johnson has had a unique perspective, watching students grow over time. She described how surprising it is to see students change so quickly, especially during major transitions. 

She noted that students returning from lower school to middle school often seem like “two different human beings,” adding that “they mature so much over the summer.” 

Not only has Johnson built strong connections with students, but she has also built everlasting relationships with the people on staff. Chuck Viggiano, Afternoon Front Desk Coordinator, and Valerie have become especially close, sharing the daily duties of the front desk.

Chuck Viggiano described their daily interactions with humor and warmth. 

“We always joke back and forth,” said Viggiano. “Whenever I come in, I’ll say ‘Valerie’ really loud and flick the lights to let her know I’m here,”  

He added that even small moments, like showing up in matching colors, became part of their routine jokes. 

“She’s an awesome coworker,” Viggiano said. “She has been an awesome person to work with here at the front desk for sure.”

Students have also formed meaningful connections with Johnson during their time at MFS. 

Maymouna Banks ’27 shared that she first got to know Johnson through everyday interactions at the front desk. “From walking in late first period and seeing her at the front desk right as [she] gets down the stairs,” Banks described how consistent interactions helped build a strong connection between them.

Banks recalled one memory that especially stood out to her. “She helped and assisted me in decompressing from a lot of tests and let me rant to her for a long time while working the front desk [one time].” 

Like many others in the community, Banks is saddened by Johnson’s retirement.

Banks also emphasized the positive energy Johnson brings to the school community. “She is [a] very joyful person, and she is funny, and she is kind. She is accepting and welcoming to all new members of the community,” Banks said.

In addition to her role at the front desk, Johnson served as co-clerk of the Administrative/Support Staff Committee and worked as a substitute teacher in both the Middle and Upper School, further connecting with students across different grade levels.

As she looks ahead to retirement, Johnson is most excited about having more freedom in her daily life. 

Johnson explained that she is looking forward to “free time” and “just the ability to do things,” including reading, traveling, and visiting family, both in and out of state.

Lower School Administrative Assistant Jillian Nichols, who has worked alongside Johnson since 2021, shared how deeply Johnson’s daily presence will be missed.

“Every morning, whether I see her physically or by telephone, I will miss her ‘good morning,’ which is almost like a song to my ears,” she said, describing Johnson’s calm and welcoming energy. “She has such a beautiful, calm demeanor; she is always very pleasant.”

Nichols also emphasized Johnson’s connection with families, explaining that she often serves as the first point of contact for many parents. 

“I’ve already had parents come to me with tears in their eyes that she is leaving, but also excited for her,” she said.

Reflecting on their friendship, Nichols shared several personal memories. 

“She was so gracious and kind to check on me,” said Nichols. “From there, she has just been an amazing friend.” 

Nichols recalls Johnson’s support during her father’s passing. “She even came to my dad’s funeral and has continued to check in on me; she’s just a wonderful person.”

Nichols added that their connection felt almost destined, explaining, “We later realized we had both worked at the University of Pennsylvania at the same time and didn’t even know it. It felt like we were meant to be friends.” 

She also shared that Johnson’s care extended into everyday moments, noting, “If she doesn’t see me in the morning, she’ll even call just to say good morning.”

After retiring, Johnson hopes to stay involved in the community by volunteering with local organizations such as Cathedral Kitchen and the South Jersey Food Bank, and possibly returning to campus in a substitute or volunteer position.

Johnson’s presence at the front desk will be missed by many, especially by the students and families she connected with every day.