It is my privilege to serve 91原创 as chairman of the board. I know I speak for the whole board when I express my sincere appreciation for MaryAnn Bentley鈥檚 service as administrator of our school.聽 Her presence on our school campus is proof that God has been faithful to our school in its early years.聽 She has been a blessing to the board as a great source of leadership, knowledge, and experience as well as being a blessing to our families as an educator, organizer, and friend.聽 Over the past four years, MaryAnn has helped to transition 91原创 from a somewhat informal collection of families to a thriving, growing school.

Having worked directly with MaryAnn on multiple projects and in a wide variety of school situations, I can say that she is truly a pleasure to work with.聽 MaryAnn always has a smile when times are tough. She often shares a story from her years in education and wisdom that can only come from a great mother.聽聽 For this rookie school board chairman, I deeply appreciate her calm approach and I鈥檓 sure this school year, and my life, has been better for it!

Her experience has proven to be invaluable to the board and her new role as fellow board member will allow for her continued involvement and input.聽 Additionally, MaryAnn鈥檚 new role as Placement Director will help our students find God鈥檚 direction for their lives and have even greater success in the pursuit of their goals.聽 MaryAnn has sacrificed greatly for 91原创 and her love of learning and the students has led to many great accomplishments.
During her tenure as 91原创 school administrator, she has endured the building of a new educational wing, formalized many school processes, grown the enrollment significantly, watched many seniors go to the colleges of their dreams, led times of devotionals and singing, disciplined students when needed, and prayed with students and families in times of trials and blessings.聽 MaryAnn has worn too many hats to count!聽 We are thankful also that Farrar will continue to serve the school as our Spanish teacher. Yes, we have been blessed to have the Bentleys at 91原创, and I look forward to many more years of serving the school together.

Mrs. Bentley鈥檚 mantle of leadership will be passed on to Mr. David Bryant, our current Academic Dean, who will become the administrator in June. The board is grateful that Mr. Bryant and his family are a part of our school.

On behalf of the 91原创 school board, and from the very bottom of my heart, thank you MaryAnn for your impact on the lives of our students, our families, our school and our community.

Sincerely,

Mark E. Sowell, DPM
91原创 Board Chairman

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By MaryAnn S. Bentley

A Hail and Farewell is a social gathering all armed services use to welcome newcomers to a new assignment and extends goodbyes to those leaving for another post.聽 I believe this is such a warm and kind tradition to show our affection for those who share our lives.聽 This tradition was passed down to me over fifty years ago when I met my wonderful husband, Farrar. The civilian world has retirement parties, but is remiss when it comes to changing one’s address or job position.聽 I have now come to that fork in the road when it is time for me to say farewell to over twenty years of administrative duties in the field of education and say hello to a bit more free time, but not entirely leaving my chosen profession.

The month of June will bring a transition to 91原创.聽 I will remove my administrator’s hat and become the Placement Director for 91原创. My new position will make ready our secondary students for life beyond these halls of ivy. The Placement Directors position is new and I look forward to embracing it with all of the energy, enthusiasm and excitement that I did my first teaching job in 1976.聽 My plan is to create a profile for our school, to clarify and align our Classical curriculum, as well as make our students ready for their chosen professions.聽 Along with guiding our students, I will administer and oversee all testing, such as: PSAT, Duke TIP, achievement tests, etc., and lighten the load of the administrator. I will also be available for college counseling with students and families on an as needed basis.

The Lord speaks and Mr. Bentley and I shall heed His instructions to scale back and make more time for our family. We have ten wonderful grandchildren and five fantastic children.聽 We have two sons in the active Army and have watched them travel in and out of Theater for over ten years.聽 Next school year will bring us back on a reduced schedule and Mr. Bentley will teach Spanish as I begin in my new position.聽聽 We heartily believe in the goals and missions of聽 91原创 and I am thankful for the past four years as your administrator.聽 The 91原创 board has asked me to join them in membership and I consider it an honor to become a part of this auspicious body of leaders.

Mr. David Bryant, Academic Dean, will become the 91原创 Administrator beginning in mid June, 2010.聽 I pass the mantle to Mr. Bryant knowing that the 91原创 family will be in very capable hands.聽 A very hearty welcome to Mr. Bryant, his wife, Ashley and their children Aaron, Alice, Lindley and Sydney.

God’s blessings, love, and grace.

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