We say a fond farewell—for now—to a few of our favorites...
Ms. Jen Rader
Upper School Science Has Been Found: At the MP Wastewater Treatment plant, rebuilding oyster reefs, foster-failing kittens, baking cookies Will Be Found: Wearing 17 layers of clothing under her parka, driving a riding lawn mower, raising chickens (maybe one day sheep…?), taking Bea and Thatcher to the cider mill Favorite Sayings: “What are you weirdos doing in the dark?” “Shut your lips and learn” “How did that work out for you?” Fondest PG Memories: Taking the junior class to Hunting Island during a tick outbreak, APES field trips, teaching freshmen, chaperoning Kanuga, science department get-togethers, lunch Quote: “Success is walking from failure to failure without loss of enthusiasm.” Winston Churchill Parting Words: After 12 years at PG, I’m graduating along with the class of 2020, heading into the unknown (Frozen II spoke to me), and on to whatever comes next. While I didn’t miss my own prom or graduation, I am missing this year’s and I feel the sense of loss, the lack of closure that comes along with missing those milestones. I’ve struggled a lot over the last couple months, figuring out how I would get over not having the good-byes I’d planned, the last big hugs, the last feel of the warm breeze on the green at graduation, saying goodbye to all of my students. But the more I struggled, the more I began to focus on what was important; the relationships I’ve built over the last twelve years that haven’t gone away during quarantine, and won’t go away when I move to Michigan. So, to my fellow graduates, I ask you to consider this. We may not have our last goodbyes in person, but we don’t need to say goodbye. We won’t be at PG physically next year, but that’s ok. We are moving on to our next adventures, will face challenges, have wonderful new experiences, and eventually life will get back to “normal.” Porter-Gaud will still be here, waiting for us to come back and share our stories. No matter how far we travel, after 12 years (or 6 years, or 4 years, or 1 year), the magic of Porter-Gaud is that you became part of the family. Porter-Gaud becomes home; always willing to welcome you back with smiles and hugs (remember those?!?). So, I’ll send my love to my students and colleagues, my gratitude for 12 years that taught me more than any classroom ever could, my wishes for laughter and adventure, but I won’t say goodbye. I’ll see you on the flip side ;) 446
