Honoring Our First Bridge Builder — and Building What’s Next

The Christ School recently had the privilege of presenting the inaugural Bridge Builder Award, and it was a moment filled with gratitude, reflection, and celebration.

From the earliest days of The Bridge—when ideas were still forming and big questions were being asked—one name surfaced again and again. As we listened to educators and leaders across the country describe wisdom, kindness, deep expertise, and an unwavering commitment to students with dyslexia, they consistently pointed us to the same person.

That person is Norma Jean McHugh.

With more than 40 years of experience supporting dyslexic learners, Norma Jean has shaped the field in extraordinary and lasting ways. Trained in the Orton-Gillingham approach at the very beginning of her career, she went on to teach, tutor, and train thousands of educators. Her leadership includes work at The Schenck School, service as President of the International Dyslexia Association – Georgia Branch, membership on the board of the Orton-Gillingham Academy, and coauthorship of The Orton-Gillingham Educator’s Guide.

Closer to home, Norma Jean’s influence is deeply woven into the foundation of The Bridge. We are profoundly grateful for her guidance and mentorship as The Christ School pursued Orton-Gillingham Academy accreditation—a milestone that made us the only school in Florida to hold this distinction. Her wisdom, encouragement, and steady belief in what The Bridge could become helped shape who we are today.

Quite simply, Norma Jean McHugh is a Bridge Builder.

As we honored her legacy, we were reminded that her life’s work reflects something far bigger than one award or one moment. It reflects a conviction that students with dyslexia deserve excellence, dignity, and enduring support—not just for today, but for generations to come.

That conviction continues to guide us as we look toward the future. We invite our community to partner with us through The Bridge at TCS Endowment, which helps ensure that The Bridge remains strong, accessible, and sustainable for years to come. Gifts to the endowment directly support students, families, and educators, preserving the mission that leaders like Norma Jean have helped build.

If you feel called to help us build what’s next, we would be honored by your partnership. We invite you to connect with our Development Team to learn more about how you can support the mission and future of The Bridge at The Christ School.