A constant presence in the daily rhythm of campus life, one of Germantown Academy’s longest-tenured employees will close a grand chapter in June 2026. Assistant to the Head of Upper School Deb Kennedy 1760 will pack up her Elvis collection, take down her twinkle lights, stop ordering Prize Day awards and submitting receipts for club pizza, and head to Cape May following her 35th GA graduation.

“I am forever grateful to Deb for brilliantly helping to facilitate my own transition to GA 17 years ago,” said Head of School Rich Schellhas 1760. “In the first three years of our collaboration in the Upper School office, we worked in four different offices together – in the old Upper School Student Center (aka the senior hangout), a shared singlewide in Patriot Village, a summer spent in the black box theater, and then our final lodging in the brand-new McNeil Upper School. Of course, the Elvis memorabilia followed us everywhere, as did our friendship, millions of laughs, not just a few tears, thousands of Bratwursts, hidden rubber mice to shock you at the crack of dawn, endless ‘pilot programs,’ and a spirit of collaboration that made such a difference. With likely the most chaotic job in the whole school, Deb persevered! She developed close friendships with colleagues, which will last forever, and she brought the spirit of the sandy beaches (but not the water – never the water!) everywhere she went. Her love for GA is unmatched, but I am excited for her to continue her reign as Grandmother Supreme with countless days at the shore, surrounded by a family that rightfully adores her.”

Kennedy began her journey in the Alumni Office as an administrative assistant before serving in her current role in the Upper School. She also served as Director of Testing for many years, guiding students and families through some of their most pivotal academic moments. Through leadership transitions (nine Heads of Upper School that she lovingly took care of), technology upgrades, evolving student life, and endless attendance checks (truly endless), Kennedy remained steadfast in her love of all things GA.

Her contributions have been formally recognized with a Distinguished Achievement Award, a Mission Award, and the honorary Class of 1760 Award, honors that reflect both excellence and dedication. Yet when asked why she stayed, her answer is simple: GA became home.

Among her fondest memories is “Patriot Village,” the temporary classroom complex used while the new Alter Middle School and McNeil Upper School buildings were under construction. When others may have grumbled, Kennedy loved the sense of camaraderie, the shared adventure, and the unmistakable feeling that community isn’t defined by walls but by people. Kennedy especially treasured Upper School class trips – Poland, London, New York City among them – where learning met laughter and relationships deepened beyond the classroom.

Of all she carries forward, she is most grateful for the colleagues, students, and families who filled the past three and a half decades with meaning. What will she miss most? After working with hundreds of teenagers each day, Kennedy says she will miss the laughter most, as she feels it is an energy that only a school community can generate. As she turns the page, Kennedy looks forward to a well-earned life of ease, knitting needles in hand and a watchful, loving eye on her granddaughter, Pearl. GA may be saying goodbye to a tireless worker bee, but her legacy, woven through memories and milestones, will remain part of its fabric forever.

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