New Church Life May/June 2016 | Page 71

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 273