Alumni

Newton R. Disney Service Award

The Newton R. Disney Service Award is given to an individual who by his or her actions and dedication to the mission of Church Farm School has served the school and its students in a significant and committed manner. This individual would have provided the service humbly and to the best of their ability without expectation of recognition or reward but with only the wish that in some way they might give back and make a difference in the life of a young man.

Newton "Diz" Disney was a 1948 graduate of Church Farm School. Born in York, PA, Newt spent his formative years at Church Farm School, an all-around athlete who played basketball, football and competed in track and field. He returned to campus in 1957 to coach basketball and led the team to back-to-back KSAC championships in 61-62 and 62-63. He was also a nurse anesthetist for more than 40 years and a successful hospital administrator. As a community member, he gave of his time, energy and fortune without reservation or expectation of reward to organizations he believed in: the AANA, the Boy Scouts of America/Troop 211, St. Phillips in the Hills Episcopal Church and Church Farm School. Newt passed away on Sept. 24, 2013 from complications from Parkinson's disease.

Nominate

Nominations are open through February 16. To nominate an individual you believe has shown an amazing commitment to Church Farm School, please either:
Notes:
  • Individual must be living
  • Individual may be male or female
  • Individual should be or have been directly involved with Church Farm School (e.g., alumni, coach, faculty/staff, parent or board member)
  • Individual will be honored at the Alumni Dinner 
  • Awardee will be selected by the Alumni Association Executive Committee

Support the Fund

A fund has been created to help defray expenses associated with the award (recipient travel costs, award costs, etc.)? If you would like to contribute to this fund in memory of Newt Disney, click here to donate, and note "Disney Award" in the Comments field.
Newt Disney 2023 Service Award: Priscilla Gabosch
If you have been around Church Farm School long enough, you will know Priscilla Gabosch. Priscilla is the widow of Karl Gabosch ‘48, a classmate and best friend of Newt Disney '48 (pictured), for whom this award is named. Priscilla attended every CFS event with Karl until his untimely death in 2011. Even after Karl's passing, Priscilla continued to stay engaged with the school by supporting the Griffin Scholars Program and attending twice-yearly luncheons to get to know the scholars and show her support. Priscilla has also attended various other CFS-related events. She has a soft spot for all things Church Farm School, donating to not only the Annual Fund, but the Capital Campaign, Galas and our recent Track fundraiser. She feels so strongly about the education and experience the scholars receive that she is a member of the Shreiner Society and has left CFS in her estate plans. Priscilla gives back to her community through her involvement with the American Kennel Club; she serves as a judge at many dog shows. Priscilla's smile always lights up a room and the world is a better place because of her. Priscilla will receive the award at the 2023 Alumni Dinner on May 13. 
PAST RECIPIENTS
  • 2023: Priscilla Gabosch (Karl '48)
  • 2022: David Zimmerman '88
  • 2021: Dr. John Grunwell '60
  • 2020: N/A
  • 2019: John Kistler
  • 2018: Stuart Brackney '62
  • 2017: Stephen Loney '97
  • 2016: James Tate '52
Church Farm School | 1001 E. Lincoln Hwy. | Exton, Pennsylvania 19341
Phone: 610.363.7500 | Fax: 610.363.5367 | Admissions: admissions@gocfs.net
The Church Farm School is an independent boarding and day school for boys in grades 9-12 located in Exton, PA. Founded in 1918 to provide an excellent education to young men from limited means, Church Farm School now serves boys from a range of socio-economic circumstances who are seeking an extraordinary educational opportunity. The school offers a challenging college preparatory curriculum and an exceptional level of personal attention, with class sizes averaging between just 7 and 12 students.