FACULTY PROFILE Amy Donovan ’12 is a new teacher in the English Department at St. Mary’s who began her career in September of 2016. While this is a new job for Amy, the school she is used to, as she is a 2012 graduate. Amy recalls the déjà vu feeling when she was first walking down the halls again, this time as a teacher. “It is a completely different experience now, and it wasn’t long ago, just five years, that I was here as a student.” While the experience is different for Amy, it is a positive change, as she is able to put her energy into getting to know her students while focusing solely on the education part versus having to worry about all the social aspects of being in high school as a student herself. In addition to Amy’s personal history at St. Mary’s, she has a strong family legacy as well. Her mother, Cindy (Marks) Donovan is a 1979 graduate of St. Mary’s, as well as her uncle Michael Marks, class of 1980, her aunt Christine (Marks) Geaney 1986 and her uncle Richard Geaney class of 1986. The family has strong roots both at St. Mary’s and in the Lynn community as a whole. Amy grew up in Lynn and attended Our Lady of the Assumption School in Lynnfield through eighth grade. Her mom was also a teacher there at that time. Amy entered St. Mary’s for High School in ninth grade. Her mother states, “We wanted to build on that Catholic education”. Amy had a great experience at St. Mary’s and similar to her mother’s time while here, they were both co-captains of the Volleyball team and made “life-long friends” that they both still get together with often. Amy also played Volleyball, ran Track and was a member of the National Honor Society while at St. Mary’s. Upon graduation, Amy continued her education at Keene State College in New Hampshire where she double majored in Secondary Education and English. She has applied to Salem State University for her next step in continuing her education to get her Masters as a Reading Specialist and is hoping to start this summer. Amy states she was someone who always “genuinely liked school” and is very “passionate about reading and writing.” Those interests coupled with her drive to “interact with and help people” plus the many days she spent with her mom as a teacher in her classroom library has naturally led her to this path, and being back at her alma mater is a joy for her and her mother. “St. Mary’s made me more focused and a life long learner,” Cindy states. “I am glad Amy is there teaching now. It is great choice for her.” Amy seconds that motion and is thrilled that she is also getting the chance to participate in the SMH Theatre Company as an Advisor as it was one activity she regretted not participating in while in high school. Amy hopes to continue to inspire her students each day and continue her family’s St. Mary’s legacy through her new role from student to teacher. By Jamie Gigliotti
22 ST. MARY'S MAGAZINE
SPRING/SUMMER 2017