Several generations of Gardners have passed through the halls of St. Mark’s School, but none more well-loved than George Peabody Gardner, Jr. class of 1906, Like his father before him, he was a longtime member of the Board of Trustees and a devoted supporter of athletics and the St. Mark’s community. “Peabo,” as he was affectionately known, was an exceptionally well-rounded and accomplished athlete.

At St. Mark’s, Gardner competed successfully in many track and field events, including the high jump, the fence vault, the 120 yard hurdle, the dash, and the half mile run among others, consistently ranking in the top 3 spots during each of his six years at St. Mark’s. In addition, he played Tennis Class B, was President of the Tennis Association, served as Captain of the hockey team his Sixth Form year, and was a contributing member of the baseball team as well.

Gardner contributed to the life of the school in many ways besides athletics. He was awarded the first Form Scholarship in 1901. As an accomplished public speaker, he spoke in front of the school during his First Form year, took first place in the Fourth Form debate, and earned an excellent review for his role as Lord Simpers in The New Butlers, in his Sixth Form year.

After graduating from St. Mark’s, Gardner went on to make his mark in athletics at Harvard, where he earned the most letters in the college’s history for his participation in track, hockey, baseball, and tennis. In 1907, he was the Division I Intercollegiate tennis champ, and he set a new world’s record for the 220 hurdle at the New York Athletic Club games in 1910. Gardner helped Harvard break a losing streak against Yale’s track team by winning two events in 1910, kept up that winning streak against Yale as a forward on the hockey team for 3 years, and lettered in tennis during each of his four years at Harvard. He was subsequently elected to their Athletic Hall of Fame.

Along with the rest of his family, Gardner continued to support his alma mater and athletics throughout his life, through his work with the Board of Trustees and in numerous other ways.

To accept the award on behalf of the Gardner family is our Athletic Director, Ms. Jones.