Church News
Compiled by Bruce Henderson
pillars of the academy
Jeremy T. Irwin, Principal of the Boys School
Kira R. Schadegg, Incoming Principal of the Girls School
Six valued members of the Academy Secondary Schools staff and faculty
will be leaving at the end of the school year in June and will be greatly missed:
Susan Odhner, Principal of the Girls School; Shawn and Aileen Synnestvedt,
Athletic Director and Assistant Athletic Director; Allyn Simons, School
Nurse; Kyle Genzliner, Registrar and teacher; and Greg Synnestvedt, teacher.
Here is a short tribute to each, followed by their own personal statements.
Sue Odhner:
Sue joined the Academy Girls School faculty in 1998. She taught sophomore
history, Formative Years and a variety of elective courses. She coached soccer,
was the Social Director and co-head of Student Services.
In 2007 Sue became the Girls School Principal. Under her leadership we
became a Gurian Model school, one of two such schools in the Philadelphia
area. Another major initiative she has spearheaded is the faculty study of
Conjugial Love and pertinent ancillary material, with a goal to guiding the
faculty to help our girls better understand and appreciate the teachings in this
premier doctrine. Love and care for the eternal welfare of the girls in the Girls
School has always been Sue’s cardinal focus.
Shawn and Aileen Synnestvedt:
Shawn has given his entire career to ANC and the institution will miss him
greatly. His dedication to ANC’s mission and to the higher spiritual principles
of our efforts is second to none. Whether it’s teaching physical education,
coaching a sport, or serving as Athletic Director, Shawn has always endeavored
to do the right thing.
Countless students and employees have become better, wiser, kinder
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