John Backer
Class of 2000
Attended Gulf Stream School for 10 years
Current Career
Co-owner of Gracey-Backer, Inc. Insurance in Delray Beach
Family
My wife, Tracy, and I have two sons — John Jr. (Jack), currently in Kindergarten at GSS; and William, age 2. My brother, David Backer (’02), and sister, Katherine Backer Moyer (’03), are also both GSS graduates. My mother is a former member of the Gulf Stream School Board of Trustees as well.
There was always an emphasis on the “Golden Rule” — treat others as you would want to be treated, which seems like common sense but, sadly, is so lacking in today’s world.
Working in groups helped me learn how to respect my peers while also being a leader, and the connection I had with the teachers showed me the importance of having (and being) a mentor.
You can’t help but feel a tremendous sense of pride in a place like Gulf Stream School, which motivated me to go “all in” with my loyalty and support for things I am passionate about, which is one of the many reasons I so proudly serve as a GSS Board member today.
Who was your favorite teacher(s) and/or what was your favorite subject(s)?
My favorite teachers at GSS were Miss Gibb and Mr. Winans. My favorite subject was math with Mr. Handler.
I also have great memories of our trips to St. Augustine and Spain, the Pinewood Derby, stocking the soda vending machine, the baseball unit with Mr. Winans, signing my name on the Tiki Hut after graduation, and Field Day — GO BLUE!
My time and experiences at Gulf Stream School are best captured by the John Wesley quote that was shared at Miss Gibb’s memorial service: “Do all the good you can, by all the means you can, in all the ways you can, in all the places you can, at all the times you can, to all the people you can, as long as ever you can.”
Back
Education after Gulf Stream School
Saint Andrew's School
Saint Andrew's School
Auburn University
Current Career
Co-owner of Gracey-Backer, Inc. Insurance in Delray Beach
Family
My wife, Tracy, and I have two sons — John Jr. (Jack), currently in Kindergarten at GSS; and William, age 2. My brother, David Backer (’02), and sister, Katherine Backer Moyer (’03), are also both GSS graduates. My mother is a former member of the Gulf Stream School Board of Trustees as well.
How did your years at GSS benefit you in all of your post-graduate experiences and help make you who you are today?
The culture of humility, manners, refinement, and leadership that were instilled in me during my time at Gulf Stream School, along with the first-class education I received there, has helped me every day of my life.
The culture of humility, manners, refinement, and leadership that were instilled in me during my time at Gulf Stream School, along with the first-class education I received there, has helped me every day of my life.
There was always an emphasis on the “Golden Rule” — treat others as you would want to be treated, which seems like common sense but, sadly, is so lacking in today’s world.
Working in groups helped me learn how to respect my peers while also being a leader, and the connection I had with the teachers showed me the importance of having (and being) a mentor.
You can’t help but feel a tremendous sense of pride in a place like Gulf Stream School, which motivated me to go “all in” with my loyalty and support for things I am passionate about, which is one of the many reasons I so proudly serve as a GSS Board member today.
Who was your favorite teacher(s) and/or what was your favorite subject(s)?
My favorite teachers at GSS were Miss Gibb and Mr. Winans. My favorite subject was math with Mr. Handler.
Any special experiences, memories or quotes?
Some of my fondest memories from my time at GSS involved the beach; whether it be taking our eighth-grade photo, or even just walking there to read.
Some of my fondest memories from my time at GSS involved the beach; whether it be taking our eighth-grade photo, or even just walking there to read.
I also have great memories of our trips to St. Augustine and Spain, the Pinewood Derby, stocking the soda vending machine, the baseball unit with Mr. Winans, signing my name on the Tiki Hut after graduation, and Field Day — GO BLUE!
My time and experiences at Gulf Stream School are best captured by the John Wesley quote that was shared at Miss Gibb’s memorial service: “Do all the good you can, by all the means you can, in all the ways you can, in all the places you can, at all the times you can, to all the people you can, as long as ever you can.”
Main Campus: PK4 - Gr. 8
Gulf Stream Campus
3600 Gulf Stream Road
Gulf Stream, FL 33483
Phone: 561.276.5225 Fax: 561.276.7115
Gulf Stream, FL 33483
Phone: 561.276.5225 Fax: 561.276.7115
DBC: PK1, PK2 & PK3
Delray Beach Campus
2515 North Swinton AvenueDelray Beach, FL 33444
Phone: 561.278.7735
