Spartanburg Day School

Each morning at Spartanburg Day School, students arrive on campus greeted by one of the most popular members of the community. At the Middle School entrance, Barry, a 7-year-old labradoodle, welcomes students with a wagging tail and an easygoing personality that has become part of the school’s daily routine.

Barry accompanies Lincoln Gray, who began his role as Head of Middle School at Spartanburg Day School in the fall of 2025. Since his arrival, Barry has quickly become known well beyond the Middle School entrance, delighting students across campus from 2K through 12th grade.

“Barry just makes people smile,” Gray said. “He brings a sense of fun and familiarity to the day before classes even begin.”

Barry’s natural ability to engage students comes easily. Both of his parents were trained service animals, and Gray said Barry appears to have inherited their friendly temperament and strong instincts.

“He has great DNA,” Gray said. “Being around people and engaging with them is second nature to him.”

Gray has had Barry since he was a puppy, and Barry has spent his life growing up in school environments alongside him, including during Gray’s previous position in Indiana. During Gray’s interview process with Spartanburg Day School last winter, Barry even became part of the conversation.

While meeting with a student panel, Gray was asked what he would bring with him from his current school if he could.

“I mentioned Barry, and the students lit up,” Gray noted. “Their reaction was immediate. They were genuinely excited.”

Gray shared the idea with Dave Skeen, Head of School at Spartanburg Day School, who welcomed the concept. When Gray officially joined the school, Barry came with him.

Today, Barry can be found each morning in the carpool line, rain or shine, greeting students and faculty members as they arrive. Throughout the day, he moves easily through campus, soaking up attention, accepting treats, and posing for photos.

“He enjoys being around students,” Gray said. “What is remarkable is how naturally he connects with them.”

Barry’s presence adds an element of personality and shared experience to campus life. Younger students eagerly wait for chances to see him, while older students often stop to say hello between classes.

Gray frequently walks Barry to the Preschool and Lower School areas, where excitement spreads quickly when he arrives. At home, Barry’s school role continues with help from Gray’s family.

“My wife keeps a container full of costumes for him,” Gray explained. “He dresses up for holidays and special occasions, and the students absolutely love it.”

Barry has also become part of the school’s broader culture and conversations. Gray has spoken about him during Middle School assemblies, using Barry as a lighthearted way to talk about awareness, empathy, and the importance of community.

“Barry reminds students that this is a place where people care about each other,” Gray said. “He helps make the school feel welcoming and connected.”

Parents and faculty members say Barry adds to the sense of joy that defines daily life at Spartanburg Day School. Gray noted that families often mention how much their children look forward to seeing Barry each day.

“Barry is everyone’s dog here,” Gray said. “He sets the tone. He helps make this place feel like family.”

Gray added that Barry has helped him build relationships across campus in ways he could not have done alone. “He breaks down barriers. He creates connections across grade levels that you just don’t see everywhere.”

At the end of the day, Barry heads home happily exhausted, a reflection of a full day spent greeting, entertaining, and engaging with the school community.

“He is tired when he gets home,” Gray said. “But it is clear he loves every moment he spends here.”

Head of School Dave Skeen said Barry’s presence reflects the spirit of Spartanburg Day School.

“Barry adds joy to our campus,” Skeen said. “He embodies the warmth and connection that make Spartanburg Day School such a special place for students and families.”

As Spartanburg Day School continues to focus on creating an engaging, joyful learning environment, Barry remains a fun and familiar presence, reminding everyone that school should be a place where students feel excited to arrive each morning.