Faculty Retirements

into the next chapter of her life.

Oddly enough, she said the COVID pandemic helped prepare her: new hobbies found in quarantine helped her separate herself from work. While she never imagined what she would do after retirement, quarantine helped her to discover her love for riding her bike, walking, and taking care of her grandchildren.

Adding to that separation was the fact that, because of extensive safety protocols, the pandemic forced the school’s ceramics program to take a one-year hiatus last school year.

In short, the pandemic made it easier for her to say goodbye.

“I am sad about this year because my favorite part of the day is teaching, and I haven’t taught all year,” she said at the end of the year. “It would have been much harder to retire if I had been teaching.”

As Mrs. Cooper moves into the next phase of her life, she can rest assured that she will always have a place in the OVS community.

“There is no one like Mrs. Cooper — she is a master potter, and she has a long history with OVS,” said Assistant Head of School Laurel Colborn, who is among the many teachers who also learned the art of ceramics through classes Mrs. Cooper held for faculty and staff.

“She is not only an expert at what she does, but she is amazing at sharing her skill with others,” Mrs. Colborn added. “Her tenure has added immeasurably to the school. I cannot imagine OVS without Mrs. Cooper being here. She will be missed, but I am excited for her to enjoy the next chapter.”