All good things must come to an end, and unfortunately that extends to time spent at John Carroll as well. Please join us in wishing our retiring colleagues all the very best as they move on to the next chapter of their lives.
John Hughes leaves the science department after 43 incredbile years of service. In addition to his classroom contributions, Mr. Hughes has served the School through his involvement with Envirothon, Save Our Streams, and trips to places as far afield as Okefenokee and Costa Rica. Over the years he coached boys' varsity lacrosse and soccer, and is a proud member of the John Carroll Athletic Hall of Fame. He has been honored outside of the School for his work with the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, among others. Quite frankly, it's almost impossible to imagine John Carroll without Mr. Hughes. He will be sorely missed.
Alvin “Al” Ward '70, a proud John Carroll alumnus, leaves the math department after 38 years of service. A favorite among his charges, Mr. Ward (who as recently as last week was still receiving notes of thanks from students he helped understand math as never before) dedicated much of his life to the School, even serving as the very first president of the alumni association. In addition to his mastery of equations, Mr. Ward coached baseball and football, and organized faculty/staff trips to Atlantic City. Mr. Ward's sister-in-law, Anne McMahon has put in 31 years of her own at John Carroll -- quite a family legacy! Al's dedication to the School is awe-inspiring; he will be greatly missed.
(As of this post, a successor to Mr. Ward as Designated Faculty Lottery Guru had not yet been announced.)
Father Steve Sutton has taught at John Carroll for 32 years, and all three of his children graduated from the School. Though he taught mostly freshmen and sophomores during his years here, he has touched everyone in the John Carroll community at one time or another. Every Wednesday morning he would celebrate the Eucharist for students and faculty, and he was the frequent celebrant of our all school liturgies. Most recently, he sent the class of 2015 on their merry way performing the Baccalaureate Mass for graduation. Father Sutton has served at St. Joseph, Fullerton and then at St. Ignatius, Hickory for most of his priestly ministry, and traveled extensively while he served in the Air Force reserves. We are better for his wisdom and service.
Jean Willan takes her leave of us after 16 years of service in the math department and as moderator for the freshman class. In 2013, Mrs. Willan received the William J. Sacco Mathematics Educator Award, "presented to an outstanding high school mathematics educator who demonstrates exceptional mentoring skills, creative teaching methods and success in incorporating real-world applications into the classroom." In addition to her own fantastic contributions to the School, Mrs. Willan's daughters Megan and Paige are proud John Carroll graduates. We are grateful for your profound contribution, Mrs. Willan!
Susan Kraft '74 departs after 14 years of service in math and science. She has been the moderator for Spirit Club, and has left an indelible impression on her students. Mrs. Kraft and her family have provided a wonderful service to the School by hosting international students, and we are in her debt for helping us expand this essential piece of the John Carroll puzzle.
Michael Shupe is leaving the fine arts department after 14 years. Under Mr. Shupe's guidance, the Pacificus became a regular winner of the American Scholastic Press Association’s annual yearbook awards. During his time at John Carroll, Mr. Shupe served as yearbook moderator and fine arts department chair, and through his expertise in photography documented countless important moments in the life of the School. He is a veteran of the United States Armed Forces, and his service and talents will be missed.
Once again, thank you all for everything you've done for the John Carroll School. We wish you all the best for the future!