After nearly three decades of inspiring, mentoring, and shaping the minds of Germantown Academy students, Robynne Graffam ’86 is preparing to close the final chapter, begin the last act, and sing the outro of her GA story—leaving behind a legacy as multifaceted as her own remarkable talents. As Graffam readies to retire from GA this June, her impact on the community is nothing short of extraordinary.

“Robynne Graffam is truly a writer’s writer, and it has been an honor to have such a gifted alum return to her proud alma mater for so many years,” Head of School Rich Schellhas 1760 said. “She has elevated writing to the forefront of GA’s Upper School curriculum, and because of her innovation, commitment, and talent, thousands of alums have returned to campus citing their ability to write well as the greatest gift they received at our school. The Upper School Writing Center, which she founded and led, stands as the most significant legacy of Robynne’s investment in prioritizing the written word. As part of that signature program, students are trained to become expert peer reviewers and writing tutors, strengthening their own skills while helping others. In addition, Robynne shaped the Writing Center into a forum for professional authors, dozens of whom have visited campus to work with students, share their writing, and offer insight into student work. An expert in both traditional English seminars and creative writing courses, Robynne’s distinct teaching style will be sorely missed, but there is no doubt she will remain a writer’s writer, forever dedicated to her craft.”

Graffam’s teaching journey at Germantown Academy began 29 years ago, when she arrived with a passion for literature and a vision for a writing program that would empower students to become both skilled and confident in their craft. Over the years, she served in a number of roles, including Assistant Director of College Guidance under Roger Eastlake ’59, Writing Center director, English 10 coordinator, and advisor to both juniors and seniors. She taught a wide range of courses, from Honors and AP English to creative writing courses such as Playwriting and Fiction Writing. Graffam also mentored new faculty members, worked with Academy Scholars, and guided the Feminist Forum. Her influence extended beyond the classroom as well, directing Belfry plays like Once on This Island, and performing with the faculty band, Big Daddy and the Resurrectors.

“I appreciate the opportunity GA has given me to challenge myself and incorporate my deepest interests and passions into my teaching,” Graffam said. “Teaching is a difficult, demanding job, but being trusted to invent new courses, try new approaches, and experiment has kept me invested and excited about the work. I love it when students get excited by something that challenges them, and then they trust me to help them through it. And we laugh every day. I don’t know too many jobs where that’s true.”

Her commitment to her students and her craft earned her multiple accolades, including the William L. Schoff Memorial Alumni Chair for Distinguished Teaching in English, the Distinguished Achievement Award, and several Kast Grants that allowed her to innovate and create new projects for her students.

Among her many cherished memories, Graffam spoke fondly of working with former teachers turned colleagues turned friends, such as Peter Drewniany 1760, David Leshan, Ralph Allen, Edwin Probert 1760, Ted Haynie 1760, and Sam Jackson. But perhaps most special was seeing her son, Austin Graffam ’25, grow up and thrive at GA. “Getting to be here to watch Austin’s journey through school has been a remarkable gift. I’m so grateful to have had that opportunity.”

As she looks ahead to the next chapter of her life, Graffam plans to focus on her writing, revisit her love for theater, and embrace new adventures.

Extra Credit

I am thankful for...

The many wonderful people I’ve worked with and taught over the years, many of whom have become dear friends. I am incredibly lucky to have encountered such smart, interesting, generous, and good-hearted people through my work here.

Memorable Quotes...

There are two I have posted around my office that I think of often:

“If you have integrity, nothing else matters. If you don’t have integrity, nothing else matters.” – Alan Simpson

“What we learn with pleasure, we never forget.” – Alfred Mercier

What I will miss most...

Being surrounded by people who genuinely care about kids. It keeps me hopeful to think that we are mentoring a generation of kind, thoughtful, well-informed, and upstanding future leaders to send out into the world.

 

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NOTES

 

Honor Robynne with a Gift to GA!   Making a gift to the school in honor of Robynne's retirement is a wonderful way to celebrate her tenure at GA.

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