RE Log - Fall 2023

76 Ransom Everglades LOG FALL 2023 In Loving Memory A Scientist and (Amoeba) Dancer Faculty favorite Barbara Lester brought joy to teaching Barbara Lester passed away July 12, 2023, after complications from a fall. She was 85. Barbara was a student favorite and faculty stalwart during her 42 years at Ransom Everglades, and her work on RE’s marine science program was transformative. She brought a joy to teaching that was contagious. A native of England, Barbara arrived at the Everglades School for Girls in 1972, then moved to the upper school after the merger with the Ransom School. She served as Director of Marine Programs and chair of the science departments on both campuses. She loved taking students on the bay and delighted generations with her unforgettable “amoeba dance.” For years she lived in faculty housing at the Ransom Campus, sharing a front porch and backyard with Dan Leslie Bowden, who became a dear friend. With the support of students and the RE Parents’ Association, she encouraged the school to purchase a Carolina skiff for the science department. The selected boat was named after her, and there have been three iterations of the Barbara L since. After her retirement in 2014, an an- nual student award – the Barbara Lester Environmental Science Award – was cre- ated in her honor. She recently reflected on her time at Ransom Everglades during an interview with Maggie Pearson ’80 , assis- tant director of alumni engagement, stating: “I enjoyed the kids so much, especially taking them out on field trips. And there’s nothing like hearing ‘I don’t remember much about your class, but I do remember when you imitated an amoeba!’” Barbara is survived by her son, Michael Lester ’93 , a computer security consultant and instructor, and two sisters, Nikki and Cherry, who reside in England. Barbara Lester with Harry the grouper Barbara with former faculty member Steve Wermus “An all-time great. Every sargassum fish in the Sargasso Sea is shedding a tear.” – Scott Fuhrman ’00 “Mrs. Lester was the best! My fondest memories were tromping around the shallows of Biscayne Bay looking at all kinds of spiny and slimy sea life. Mrs. Lester was the first to teach me about the future effects of climate change. I have led my life teaching people easy, fun stuff we can all do to keep the planet clean.” – Steve Deutsch ’81