Faculty and staff are the heart of Waterford School, and they make it a wonderfully unique and exceptional place where students are inspired and shaped. Waterford is guided toward its mission of providing students with a world-class liberal arts education, by our talented faculty and staff. As this school year comes to a close—a year when each of us, students and teachers, has met unpredicted challenges head-on—we want to take a moment to recognize and thank those members who are retiring, moving or pursuing new passions. We thank them for their many years of service.
Suzanne Conine has been Waterford’s beloved ceramics teacher for 22 years. She has led students to success in and out of the studio. She is on to new adventures, writing that she will now be making art full time, hoping to create bigger, larger scale sculptures and more paintings created outdoors en-plein air. Ms. Conine writes: “Last October we opened our home to the Wasatch Studio Tour and enjoyed presenting the work of other artists as well as my own. Our old VW Camper Van is now a mobile gallery. With the “Van Whoa! Gallery” participation in summer art markets will be a unique adventure. My new mantra is “I’m not Done!” longing to discover ideas and participate in opportunities I haven’t yet thought about.” We will miss you, Ms. Conine!
For twenty years, Scott Harris has helped Waterford students become amazing musicians! His teaching in band and jazz ensemble has led many MS and US students to be skilled musicians; his role as the Class V wind specialist has helped many young students embark on their musical journey. He models the joy that a lifelong commitment to music can bring: he’s played his instrument for over fifty years and still loves it. We will miss his joyful presence in the 800s building hallways.
For twenty four years, Meg Hungerford has inspired the young artists of Waterford School. Classes III-V have been entranced by her many found objects, turning feathers, springs, pebbles, sticks and more into beautiful works of 3-dimensional work. Who doesn’t remember their fish projects and spirit sticks hanging proudly from invisible fishing wire in Waterford’s brick hallways? Meg exudes a love for art in all forms, and has helped many young students find their passion for the arts. We wish Meg well and will miss the color she brought to the arts in the Lower School.
Shawn Orton came to Waterford initially hoping to be a sub — we were lucky enough to have her as a full-time math teacher for the last fourteen years! “I have been absolutely blessed to have been part of such a wonderful institution,” Ms. Orton writes. “My colleagues are exceptional teachers from whom I have learned a lot. I enjoyed being able to stretch and grow as a teacher and mathematician. And it has been a privilege to get to know the many wonderful students I have had in my classroom over the years. My husband is also retiring and we hope to do lots of traveling (Covid-19 allowing) and get more involved in community service, possibly doing a year of service for our church.”
Deanna Williams is retiring from Waterford School after serving as Lower School Director and teaching for 28 years in the Lower School, most recently in Class IV overseeing many Renaissance Days, Castle-building projects, and World Fair Exhibits. Deanna shares that, “Waterford has been an amazing place to work, grow, and craft the art of being a teacher. I will miss you all, colleagues, Administrators, and especially the kiddos. It has been a true privilege.”
Mark Beckwith has been an essential part of our Latin program since 2013. This summer, he is moving back to his homeland of Michigan to be near family. He will still be teaching, though he is shifting from Latin to be a middle school English teacher. Mark is known for his insatiable reading habit (reading 100 books a year!), so being an English teacher for his next phase seems only fitting. We will miss you, Mr. Beckwith!
For over twenty years, Tom Brennan has been a pillar in the Waterford community. His teaching and his contribution to our math program have touched the lives of students from kindergarten to Class XII. He has led countless students to a joyful understanding of mathematics, and his tenure at Waterford has left a profound impact on the mathematical and educational journeys of so many at Waterford. He is returning to his old high school to teach math and work more directly in the community where he lives. Mr. Brennan, we are so sad to see you go!
Lisa Clark has worked as a Lower School librarian for over two years. During her time at Waterford she has worked to support an appreciation for reading in Lower School students. Her story time with grades K-III has provided the opportunity for our youngest learners to experience Ms. Clark's love for books. She will miss the students at Waterford, and will continue lifelong learning and excellence. Her dream is to have a published picture book, so who knows, perhaps she will return as a guest author
Natalie has been a beloved Preschool teacher in both our PreK-3 and PreK-4 programs over the last three years. Natalie will be spending time at home with her new baby, who we look forward to meeting. We will miss her smiling face and care for our youngest learners, and wish her well!
Over the last year, Sara has really enjoyed caring for your children. She will miss the close collaboration with many talented individuals-from the students to the faculty/staff, and the administrative team. In this short time, she has developed many valuable skills for which she will be forever grateful. Sara moves on in pursuit of a nurse practitioner degree, and we are happy we will continue to see Sara around campus as a Waterford parent.
Philip Pascale ’10, has been our crew coach and science department assistant for five years. As a coach, he has supported our student athletes to high levels of success at regattas around the nation. His helpful presence in the science department has facilitated the expansion of the robotics program. Philip is moving to Oregon, where he is on to new adventures.
Jenny Sorenson started her journey with Waterford in 2010 as a tutor. Soon-after, she began teaching in Class III and was instantly enthralled with the engaging curriculum and the kind and capable students. Jenny brought passion and enjoyment to teaching with funny voices, laughter, and hugs. She’s not sure who had more fun in the learning process! She cared deeply for each and every student and tirelessly showed her commitment to their individualized growth and success. Her inclusive classroom and colorful ocean reading corner were a second home for many over the past ten years. Like many great mythological adventures, the past ten years have been epic! She is taking a break from teaching at Waterford to focus on the health and wellbeing of her family, but she is glad to be continuing as a Waterford parent! Go Ravens! While the decision to forgo teaching next year was very difficult for her, she is optimistic for the path ahead.
Tara has been a beloved part of our English and Theater departments since 2006. In her busy years at Waterford, she has directed countless Middle- and Lower-School plays, coached debate, taught history to class VI, English classes in VI, IX, and X, been a class dean, and been an integral part of our school community. She is moving to southern Utah where she will lead a high school theater department and debate program
May 11, 2021
November 20, 2020
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