For Meredith Hickman ’03, The Woods Academy has always felt like home.
Even now, years later, after building a career dedicated to education, she can still picture the classrooms, recall the names of her teachers, and remember the feeling of being known, supported, and inspired. “It was a safe place,” Meredith reflects. “Every teacher cared. It was not just about the lessons. It felt like family.”
That sense of belonging, along with the deep relationships she formed with teachers like Mr. Clubbs, Ms. Piwko, and others, left a lasting impression. More than anything, it shaped who she wanted to become. “It was not just that I wanted to be a teacher,” she says. “I wanted to be like them. They were good people, and they cared.”
A Spark That Became a Calling
Meredith’s path to education began early, right here at The Woods.
Inspired by hands-on lessons, interactive learning, and dynamic teachers, she knew by middle school that she wanted to teach. A science lesson centered around solving a crime and a middle school stock market project opened her eyes to what learning could be: engaging, practical, and meaningful.
“It was not just memorizing. It was doing,” she says. “We were exposed to things at such a young age that many students do not see until much later.”
That spark stayed with her through high school and into college at the University of Maryland, where she explored different paths before confidently returning to education. She later earned her master’s degree from Towson University and began what would become a meaningful and impactful career in teaching.
Creating Space for Connection
Today, Meredith serves as a library media specialist, where she has found a powerful way to connect with students.
Unlike a traditional classroom setting, her role allows her to meet students where they are academically, socially, and personally.
“I love being able to make connections without pressure,” she explains. “Students come in just to say hello. It feels more natural, and they are more open.”
Her library is not simply a place for books. It is a vibrant, welcoming space for discovery. Through interactive displays tied to cultural celebrations and creative programming like Watch Party Wednesdays, Meredith creates an environment that invites curiosity and encourages engagement. “It is about putting things in front of them and letting them explore,” she says. “Once they are interested, they stay.”
Recognition and Impact
In 2021, Meredith was named Maryland School Library Media Specialist of the Year, an honor that came as both a surprise and a meaningful affirmation.
“It was humbling,” she shares. “In education, there is not always a lot of recognition. Having colleagues acknowledge your work reminds you that what you are doing matters.”
For Meredith, however, the most meaningful moments are the lasting connections she builds with her students.
She recalls being invited to a former student’s graduation years after teaching him. In another instance, students she had worked with since kindergarten asked her to speak at their promotion ceremony. “These are the moments that stay with you,” she says. “They remind you that you made an impact.”
A Life of Purpose
At the heart of Meredith’s work is a simple and powerful goal: to help students become lifelong learners. “They do not all have to love books,” she says with a smile. “But I want them to love learning, to keep growing, exploring, and asking questions.”
She also emphasizes the importance of helping students navigate the world thoughtfully and responsibly. Whether it is evaluating information, citing sources, or engaging respectfully with others, Meredith sees her role as guiding students beyond academics.
Her approach reflects a philosophy deeply rooted in her time at The Woods: educating the whole child. “It is about listening, being accepting, and helping students feel heard,” she explains. “That is something I carry with me every day.”
Full Circle
When Meredith returns to campus today, she feels it immediately. That same sense of belonging remains. “It still feels like home,” she says. “That has not changed.” It is a testament to the enduring impact of a Woods education, one that extends far beyond the classroom.
When asked to describe that impact in a single sentence, Meredith offers a reflection that captures both her experience and her work today: “A Woods Academy education instills a love of learning while fostering good citizens of the world.”
Through her work, her relationships, and her unwavering commitment to students, Meredith Hickman continues to live out that mission each day, helping shape not only learners, but thoughtful, curious, and compassionate members of the community.