We Bid Farewell to…….

by Emma Shuster ‘18, Katherine Mahoney ‘20, and Kara Thompson ‘20

Principal Gregory

After 12 years of serving the Sherwood community, Principal Bill Gregory will retire at the end of the 2018 school year. In a recent note to the staff, Gregory announced his bittersweet departure and expressed hope for a smooth transition into the next school year. The announcement has been in the back of Gregory’s mind for the past few years, but this year he finally followed through with finishing his career. The 2017-18 school year is Gregory’s 41st year working in education, and 18th year serving as a school principal. Before coming to Sherwood, he previously worked throughout the county having jobs such as a math teacher at Good Counsel, principal at Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Middle School, and acting principal at Seneca Valley High School. He has dedicated his life to helping students reach their potential, and plans to continue showing his love for education by volunteering throughout Montgomery County during his retirement. “It is so incredible to be able to be part of making a difference in the lives of an adolescent … I do believe that one person can make a difference in the life of another person,” said Gregory. Gregory is eager to spend time relaxing at his second home in West Virginia, as well as spending time with his mom. He hasn’t yet decided what else he will do, but for now he is excited to not have to deal with the stress and responsibilities that come alongside working in the school system. “I want to spend more time with people because that’s why I became an educator,” Gregory said regarding what he plans to do with his free time once retired. He is also eager albeit unaccustomed to planning vacations that aren’t restricted by the school calendar. “I can see myself as a member of the graduating class,” he said about next week’s graduation. Both Gregory and the graduating seniors are moving onto the next phase of their lives, and this chapter is coming to an end. Gregory is enthusiastic to bring the 2018 school year, and his last year as a principal, to a exciting and prosperous close. As for how he’s treating this end of the school year differently than in years past, Gregory says in most aspects he’s really not. There are still many things he must do as an administrator to ensure the year finishes out strong. “It’s slowly starting to hit me because I’m going through some lasts,” he said. Gregory admits that he’s having a hard time with the goodbye piece of his retirement. “It’s bittersweet, so there is excitement, but the bitter part is I love what I do. I love being at Sherwood, I love working with the students and the staff and the community.”

Mrs. Amato 

Art teacher Jill Amato will be retiring after seven years at Sherwood and 15 years in Montgomery County. Prior to her time at Sherwood, Amato taught at Montgomery Blair, Poolesville and Watkins Mill. During her time at Sherwood, Amato taught Drawing & Design, Studio Art, Digital Art, and Ceramics. She was also a proud sponsor of the National Art Honor Society and Anime Club. Although she is sad to leave Sherwood behind, Amato has big plans. She and her husband bought a bed and breakfast in Vermont, where the two will be innkeepers.

Mrs. Meushaw

English teacher Maureen Meushaw will be retiring after 11.5 years at Sherwood and in Montgomery County. Prior to her time at Sherwood, she spent one semester at Gettysburg High School in Pennsylvania. While at Sherwood, she taught Honors English 9, Honors English 10, Honors English 11, and AP English Literature. She was also a proud sponsor of the English Honor Society and Knitting for Humanity. After retiring, Meushaw plans to garden, knit, and cook, among other pursuits. She is also currently an expectant grandmother and already has plans to pamper and spoil her grandchild.

Mrs. Humphrey

Library Media Assistant Susan Humphrey will be retiring after 12 years at Sherwood and 20 years in Montgomery County. Prior to her time at Sherwood, Humphrey spent time at Harmony Hills Elementary School as a Parent Partnership Assistant as well as a Media Assistant at Strathmore Elementary School. She plans to update her house, take day trips with her family, go on long walks with her puppy, and study Digital Art at Montgomery College, after retiring.

Mrs. Benson

Guidance counselor Nancy Benson will be retiring after 15 years at Sherwood and 17 years total as a counselor. Aside from her time as a guidance counselor, Benson was also the proud sponsor of the National Honor Society for 13 years. For the first year of her retirement, Benson will be watching her grandchildren and then possibly working at Montgomery College. Benson views Sherwood as a family and is sad to leave.