Janice DeMaré

Janice DeMaré began her career at Holton-Arms School in August 1990 as the HR manager. Her organizational and people skills were soon noticed and she was transferred to the Head’s Office to work as an assistant to then-Head-of-School Charlie Lord’s administrative assistant. Janice had found her place. She continued to help out in the head’s office and was one of the administrative assistants who were there when Diana Colton Beebe was named Head of School. It was during Diana’s tenure that Janice was named Diana’s full-time assistant, Executive Assistant to the Head. She has been in that role since and helped welcome Susanna Jones when she was named Head of School. Three heads of school, one mainstay: Janice. Her colleagues’ words capture the many strengths and joys that Janice brings to the Holton community.

There is not a single person at Holton that has not been touched in some way by Janice. Whether she’s fielding questions as assistant to the Head of School, knitting a blanket for a colleague’s new baby, or singing at Convocation, her dedication to Holton is always front and center. For me, she’s more than a colleague. She lends spiritual and emotional support when I need it most. In the 32 years that I’ve known her, she’s been more than my dearest friend, she’s the sister that I never had. Words can’t express how bittersweet her retirement is for me. As her favorite artist, Elvis Presley, would say, “I’m All Shook Up.”

—Yolanda Keener, 12th Grade Dean, US Psychology Teacher

Janice is a Holton icon--I just can't imagine the place without her! I remember back when she worked in Facilities, and I was convinced she ran the whole school. I think one of the most telling facts about Janice is that she loves and collects elephants. Most of us have brought her elephant figurines from our travels, and this wonderful creature proves an apt comparison for Janice. Elephants represent strength, wisdom, and happiness. They are also loving, nurturing, and loyal to their families. All of these characteristics pertain perfectly to Janice; you can always drop in on her for advice, empathy, knowledge, and good cheer. We will lose a big piece of Holton's heart when she retires!

—Marsha Scherbel, US English Teacher

She is, hands down, the best head’s assistant anywhere. First and foremost, she is very wise and insightful about people. I joke with her that she has earned a PhD in psychology. She is tremendously thoughtful and caring, always looking after my well-being as well as everyone else’s. These qualities draw people to her and visitors from all areas of the school stop by regularly to chat. I turn to her for advice all the time, and her perspectives and suggestions are invariably helpful. As I’ve told her many times, I would not have been able to do this job without her, and I am eternally indebted to her. She serves as everyone’s surrogate mother, including my own son, is the holder of institutional memory, and makes the most lovely handmade baby presents. Holton will not be the same without her.

Susanna Jones, Head of School

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ADVICE TO SUSANNA FROM PAST HEAD DIANNA COLTON BEEBE: Congratulations on a great run! We are so grateful for your wise and steady leadership. And now you get a well-deserved rest! I can predict, from experience, that you won’t miss getting up at the crack of dawn after being up late at night, and a few other things. Maybe you’ll get to travel, or read a book for pleasure, or take a leisurely walk with your dog. Such luxuries!

But you probably will miss, as I did, a few things as well. The hardest thing for me, that I had not expected, was that I missed my sense of identity! Who was I? That was a shock. Happily it goes away as you begin to build a new life and get involved in new ventures, but it takes a while. And I missed being involved with the kids. And what about all the entertainment-plays, concerts, athletic contests, etc. And, oh boy did I miss Janice!!! And my tech support!! That was a big adjustment. My hope for you is that you will find activities you love, ways you can make a difference, and other pleasures to explore. You deserve it!!

Bon Voyage, and Best Wishes, Diana