Barbara Kennard, Middle School English
Member of the Faculty, 2008–2015
In The Tempest, one of Barbara’s five-star productions with the sixth grade, Prospero says, “Our revels now are ended. These our actors, As I foretold you, were all spirits and are melted into air, into thin air: And, like the baseless fabric of this vision, the cloud-capp’d towers, the gorgeous palaces, the solemn temples, the great globe itself, Yea, all which it inherit, shall dissolve.”
I disagree with Shakespeare. None of Barbara’s work at Milton Academy is going to fade anytime soon.
Consider what Barbara gave us. She has been a teacher, a director, a grammar guru, an advisor, and a Faculty Council co-chair, among other roles. Like a Shakespearean actress, she has played on these stages superbly, a fact reflected in these comments from her fans: She is a consummate professional; a beautiful writer, thinker and innovator; she is not afraid to take on new challenges; her passion for English knows no bounds; a discerning theater director; a brilliant poet; a great listener.
An educator for 35 years, a Milton faculty member for seven, Barbara has challenged everyone around her to embrace learning, respect Shakespeare, and make every day better. Thank you, Barbara, for reminding me to see the beauty in literature and to honor how teaching reading and writing can help us embrace our collective humanity.
We wish Barbara the best as she takes a bow, and moves on to her next act.
by Debbie Simon
Middle School English and Performing Arts