This evening, the Masters community gathered virtually in celebration of the life of security guard Panton Adams, who passed away from Covid-19 complications on Feb. 1. The memorial was held at 7 p.m. and featured tributes to Adams’ life from several students, faculty and staff members, parents and members of Adams’ family. 

The celebration began with a short message from Head of School Laura Danforth, which was followed by a moment of silence for Adams. Twenty presenters shared stories, poems, artwork and personal memories in honor of Adams. Many presenters noted Adams’ kindness and warmth, oftentimes displayed in his bright smiles. Others talked about his impressive ability to remember everybody’s name and make them feel welcome wherever he was. 

Senior Alex Wang, the first presenter, spoke about how Adams would greet him every day in the mailroom and go out of his way for him and the people he cared about. Ally Tarter, a student in eighth grade, highlighted Adams’ impact on the middle school, and how “Mr. Adams was always there to take care of us.” There was also a special presentation by Adams’ youngest daughter Kelsey, 8, who sang, “O’ Lord,” by Lauren Daigle, a song she said she “loved to sing with her Daddy.”

In closing, Danforth announced that a tree would be planted by the Middle School, with a bench placed underneath it, in loving memory of Panton Adams, and in honor of his dedication and years of service given to The Masters School.