After receiving a formal invitation from Principal Timothy Britton, former Sherwood choral teacher Johnathan Dunn is set to speak at the graduation ceremony for the Class of 2024. During his time at Sherwood, Dunn taught chorus, piano, and music perspectives as well as playing a major role in Sherwood’s annual Rock ‘n’ Roll Revival productions as one of its music directors.

“Sherwood was my first high school position as a general/choral music teacher. It was the place where I learned how to teach, how to connect with students, and how to foster positive working relationships with staff, students, and families using music as a vehicle,” said Dunn. “I learned so much from my students and used that knowledge, and/or insight, to gauge next steps in terms of addressing their needs, and goals both in the classroom and beyond.”

Dunn has been working in MCPS for 21 years and had been a choral teacher at Sherwood for nine years. After leaving Sherwood following the 2022-23 school year, he moved on to Wheaton where he was appointed as Assistant School Administrator. For the 2024-25 school year, Dunn will be filling an assistant principal position. “After a year of building relationships with staff, students, and families, I did not want to leave and held onto the hope that I could return to Wheaton next year. Now that things are confirmed, I could not be happier,” said Dunn.

For his speech at Sherwood’s graduation, Dunn wants to get the idea across that graduates should be true to themselves and find their purpose in life. “Hopefully, graduates will come away with a renewed appreciation of self, the gifts they alone bring to this world, and the opportunities before them to make a difference no matter where they are and/or go,” said Dunn.