Next Steps

teachers say goodbye

Scott Oden

“I will never forget the wonderful relationships I have been fortunate to create with my students and colleagues”

McKenna Wright

“Thank you for sharing your lives with me - it has been my honor to work and laugh with you. Don’t be a stranger!”

Kristi Bubna

“One thing I’ve admired about Free State is the opportunity and space students are given to be themselves”

FEATURE

pages by Angel Singhal story by Alexandria Brown photos by Karmina DouglasNext steps

Some things are never permanent such as hobbies and jobs, sometimes the urge to try something different arises or unforeseen circumstances can cause us to make a change. This meet up location,” Bubna said. “It’s a spot that is new for both of us, but where we also have some established friends and community, and job opps.” Bubna is teaching middle and high school is the case for teachers Kristi Bubna, McKenna Wright and Scott Oden (formerly Ireland) who are leaving alongside the senior class of 2021.

Oden’s partner accepted a new position in Washington, D.C. during the pandemic, and he is moving to be with his new family. Oden has been the director of choral activities for two years. Next year, he is teaching elementary music in the Prince William County school district.

Looking towards the move, he anticipates missing the annual Encore performance.

“You can feel the students’ excitement in the air and it was always incredible watching the students enjoy themselves on stage,” Oden said.

Bubna is also leaving to be closer to loved ones in Seattle. She has been a gifted education teacher in recent years.

“[My partner] lives in Berkeley, so we are both relocating to Seattle as our “midway” English at the Washington Preparatory School next year, a return to her former position in language arts “So I’m looking forward to getting back into content teaching -- I love talking literature every day!” Bubna said. Unlike her peers, English teacher McKenna Wright is leaving to try something new. What’s next is currently unknown, but she leaves with a piece of advice to her successor. “The most important collaboration happens in the classroom, and together you can make lessons meaningful and relevant,” Wright said. Wright is looking forward to the chance to see the world, meet new people and running into past students and co-workers as she goes about her day. “Thank you for sharing your lives with me - it has been my honor to work and laugh with you,” Wright said.