The end of the school year will mark the farewell for nine members of the EA community. This year's retirees will leave Episcopal with 221 years of combined service. Their contributions and dedication to the school community will be missed.
For the last 44 years, Sharon Passarella has been among the first to arrive in the morning on campus. Most recently Sharon has worked as a Middle School Administrative Assistant- greeting students, distributing lost and forgotten necessities, and keeping tabs on student attendance. She has also lent her expertise to the Business Office, front Desk, the Head of School's office, Head Chaplain's office, Health Services, and Community Outreach. Sharon has worked through and supported many of EA's transitions including co-education, the campus expansion to Devon, and the move to Newtown Square. Sharon will miss her friends and EA students, but she is looking forward to spending time with her beloved grandchildren.
Many students and parents remember Dona Pearcy as the first person they met when exploring admission at Episcopal Academy. Dona launched her career at EA 38 years ago. After 10 years teaching Kindergarten, Dona was the admission associate on the Devon campus. For several years, she also served as Assistant Head of the Lower School at Devon. Since the move to Newtown Square, Dona has worked in the admission office with a focus on Lower School families. During her tenure, it is estimated that Dona has admitted more than 1,000 students to EA and taught nearly 200 during her teaching days. Dona and her husband George are looking forward to spending time with their five grandchildren and children Jay '93 and Page '96.
At the end of the last school year, Middle School science teacher Win Shafer moved to EA's Facilities and Operations department to focus on sustainability projects around campus. This year Win has been busy helping the school move to a dual recycling program and got EA's composter back up and running. Win has also assessed the school's waste output, carbon footprint, and energy and water consumption. Win has also assessed the school's waste output, carbon footprint, and energy and water consumption. For 38 years, Win was a passionate Middle School science teacher, mentor, advisor and coach (squash, crew, ice hockey, and golf).
For the last 40 years, Sue Cannon has dedicated her career to teaching. Sue will retire after serving as an EA faculty member for 27 years. She has spent the last 16 years teaching Middle School English and history. She made the transition to Middle School after teaching 3rd grade for 11 years. Many of the Lower School traditions she helped initiate are still favorites for young students- including the annual trip to Ellis Island and the ancestor puppet project. Sue has worked tirelessly to empower students to think critically and has been a dedicated advisor for Model UN, Student Council, Debate and Diversity Council. She also served as the Middle School Diversity Coordinator and started and grew the annual Mix It Up Day into a national model. Sue is moving to North Carolina to spend more time with her grandchildren, children, and friends.
Our students' health and well being have been the focus for Anne Ravreby for the last 27 years at EA. As the Director of Health Services, Anne has taken special care of EA students and has often been on the "sidelines" of various student events in case her medical skills are needed. She has maintained impeccable health records of students, coordinated health fairs and medical trainings, and has been a staunch advocate for student safety. Anne has been active in student life by serving as an advisor, chaperoning trips, and teaching health classes. Anne is looking forward to spending time with her family, especially her grandson, as well as traveling with her husband and doing more volunteer work.
Nancy Taylor has developed close and important relationships over her 18 years at EA, especially with EA graduates. As an assistant in the Office of Institutional Advancement, Nancy has worked closely with the Alumni Society Board of Managers and on the annual Alumni Weekend festivities, with a special focus on classes celebrating their 50th Reunions. Each year she works tirelessly on the nostalgic 50th Reunion Tabula for each class member. The Class of 1964 was so impressed with Nancy, they designated her an honorary member of their class. Nancy has also been responsible for collecting, organizing, and editing Class Notes for the Connections publication. She has sent out so many Episcopal baby sweaters over the years, she has lost count. As Nancy shifts into retirement, she will spend more time with her grandchildren, and she plans to travel, volunteer, and dedicate more hours to her beautiful needlework projects.
Loving, kind, and nurturing are some of the adjectives many people use to describe Carol Leach. Carol's nurturing touch has impacted her Kindergarten, 1st and 2nd grade students over the last 11 years. Along with her passionate work in the classroom, Carol has served on the Lower School admission committee, long-range planning committee, and worked as a Lower School academic coordinator for social studies. Chapel and the Stripes have been an important part of Carol's life and career at EA. After 43 years of teaching, Carol will join her husband in retirement. They are excited to launch the next chapter in their lives.
Thomas Hunter has been keeping an eye on our students and community for the last ten years as a dedicated Campus Safety Attendant. Always ready with a smile and high five, Thomas is often seen directing traffic and students in the busy crosswalk leading to and from Smith Stadium. Last year, Thomas was thrilled to have the Upper School yearbook dedicated to him. Students, parents, faculty, and staff will miss Thomas's positive energy and joyfulness. Thomas is looking forward to spending more time with his mother.
After eight years of working in the Upper School Annenberg Library and EA archives, Cassie Keith will retire at the end of the school year. Cassie has been a diligent keeper of EA's past and worked hard to organize and expand the school's historical artifacts. Cassie has also been a dedicated advisor. Over the years, she has attended countless athletic events, music and dance performances, and other activities to support her advisees. She has also been a highly sought-after resource for students and teachers. Cassie plans to move back to New England to spend time with family and friends.