Maryanne Boettjer 1760 - 2011 Inductee

Our first inductee has dedicated her life to teaching language and culture, leading honorably and inspiring her students to continually reach higher. 

She’s led her department as Chair for 25 years, has been a Head of Form, and served on numerous committees and advised clubs, from Spanish to skiing. Diligent, patient, and creative, she is praised by her colleagues and alums for embracing technology and applying it to the curriculum.  She is admired for embodying the “one school” spirit—sharing her talents, care and time with lower and upper school students alike.  

A steadfast leader, she was responsible for establishing the Lower School Spanish program (a program in which she still teaches during her lunch periods). A devoted teacher, her son remembers never leaving campus before 5pm when he was a student here, his mother at work long after the school day had officially ended.

An ambassador for her school, her students win regional and national honors. An exemplar in her field, she serves as the president of Pennsylvania State Modern Language Association.

In a speech honoring her at her 25-year celebration, it was said, “She has made her mark on GA in so many ways, but has done it quietly and inconspicuously.” It’s easy to overlook such treasures in our midst, and take them for granted.  But today’s a day to let such gems shine.

I learned in the nomination process, that this inductee had once studied to become a Catholic nun, but, as one of her colleague’s stated, “Divine intervention stepped in and redirected her path to teaching and to GA.” That same colleague remarked that the church’s loss was GA’s gain. To that I say “Amen,” and welcome Maryanne Boettjer to the Class of 1760.