Dear Alumni and Friends,

 

There are many thankless jobs. But not teaching.

 

Every day, we teachers celebrate the development of the children in our lives. We play a critical role in their formation. We know them as young people, children of God, growing learners, budding athletes, and developing artists. Throughout the year we form bonds, give encouragement, guidance and love. Seeing their growth is thanks enough.

 

But just when spring turns to summer: Graduation. Nine years ago, the faculty and I started a graduation tradition of blessing our students with the familiar Irish prayer that ends: “…And until we meet again, May God hold you in the palm of His hand.” We say that graduation is not an ending; it is a pause until we meet again. But even teachers cry at graduation.

 

One of the most potent ways our former students show thanks their teachers is by returning to campus for Alumni events. The “meet again” part is where the magic happens. In some indescribable way, reunions make us old teachers feel young again.

 

Below you can read stories and see pictures from two Woods Alumni celebrations this winter. If you were not able to attend, please write in and tell us what you have been doing. Mrs. Piwko, Mr. Clubbs, Mrs. Pelaia, Mrs. Burke, Mrs. Gerber, Mrs. Higgins, Mrs. Iyer and the rest of the Woods gang want to know.

 

Regards,

John DeMarchi

 

/ "Over 21" Holiday Party On December 3rd, before the hustle and bustle of the holiday season really kicked in, Woods Academy Alums who graduated before 2001 were all invited to celebrate the season. This was the first alumni event of its kind! Alums from the 80's, 90's and 2000's toured the school and caught up with teachers such as Mrs. Snyder, Mrs. Higgins, Mr. DeMarchi and Mrs. Worch.

/ Alumni Chili Dinner January 7, Woods alums from the classes of 2006-2009 met back at the Woods gym for some great Boys and Girls Basketball, and the opportunity to catch up! Mrs. Burke, Mrs. Piwko, Mr. Clubbs, Mrs. Shoemaker and Mr. DeMarchi caught up with all the kids, and heard about how well classes were going, and all the extra-curricular events that high school life has to offer!

Alums of the Week Take a look at what some of our alums have been up to recently.... Stephanie Snyder ('86) graduated from the Woods, Georgetown Visitation, and the College of Charleston, before relocating  to the San Francisco Bay area where she experienced several job opportunities before finding her niche in the yoga world.  Consistently voted as San Francisco's BEST yoga instructor, Stephanie is known for her inspirational teaching style, and her unique ability to infuse her rigorous and flowing Vinyasa classes with yoga philosophy, technical alignment, and heart-felt humor.  Stephanie has been interviewed and profiled by Yoga Journal magazine, YogiTimes magazine, Fox News, and InStyle Magazine who named Stephanie as San Francisco’s most popular yoga class.  Stephanie is married and a mom to an adorable 2 year old boy. Michael Bell (’00)is currently in California pursing his Masters in Business at Pepperdine University. Congratulations toNadine Jbaili (‘01) who graduated from Florida Atlantic University in spring 2009.  She currently is attending Law School in Miami, FL and finished her first semester in December. Good Luck Nadine!  Jim Hopkins ('04) is the  owner of 'Custom Services', a Landscaping and Construction business.  Jim provides other services including design, handy man, and winter services. 'Custom Services' is located in Bethesda. Alex Garner (’08) is currently a sophomore at Landon. Over the past couple of years, Alex has enjoyed playing Water Polo at Landon as a fall sport. He joins a competitive 25 man team, which is a member of the Mid Atlantic Water Polo League, and competes in the Eastern Prep School Championships. In addition, Alex maintains excellent grades and a rigorous academic schedule including AP US History. Gabriella Catrett (’09)­-or “Gabby” as she’s known around Woods--is thoroughly enjoying her Freshman year at the Academy of the Holy Cross.  Gabby performed in November in the AHC’s Evening of Improv, where she was able to capitalize on her wonderful 7th and 8th grade musical theater experiences at the Woods.  Gabby is on a musical theater scholarship and looks forward to many more theater performances! Tyler Dunne (’09)played soccer for Georgetown Prep this year and the Hoyas finished the season with an impressive 10-3 record. Tyler still managed to earn an overall 89% average for the first academic quarter thanks to being well prepared by The Woods faculty!! Katie Needler (’09)just began her freshman year at Poolesville High School in the Magnet Global Ecology Program. She has a rigorous class schedule this year consisting of all honors classes.  Katie described her math class, “Magnet Geometry”, as a cross between pre-calculus and trigonometry. So far, her favorite class is US History, and she describes her teacher as being a lot like Mr. Clubbs. She mentioned that she felt very prepared for the class and that it was a great way to start her high school experience!  It’s not all work for Katie though… she has joined the Art Club a t Poolesville and is playing Lacrosse on a team outside of school. She isn’t set on a specific position on the field yet, but said that while she played defense at Woods, she is hoping to give offense a try now. Danny O'Leary (‘09)is currently a freshman at Georgetown Prep, and is looking forward to an exciting Basketball season as a Hoya! Danny has adjusted well to high school life, finding that the Woods prepared him well for the course load, homework and tests. Danny has also enjoyed seeing the Woods 8th graders visit Prep!

Alumni Updates? Have you moved? Changed jobs? Just decided where you are going to college next year? Let us know! Email Alumni@woodsacademy.org with any updates!