There’s a certain bittersweetness that comes with our upcoming transition to summer break, as we must now bid goodbye to five Upper School teachers who are integral members of our Hackley community. The English department specifically is losing three of its most beloved teachers in Anna Abelaf, Melanie Greenup, and Reagan Russell. Also leaving Hackley are Jermaine Matheson, Upper School History Teacher and Boarding Associate, and Rowena Fenstermacher, Middle and Upper School Latin and Etymology Teacher. Whether it be Ms. Abelaf’s knack for languages or Dr. Russell’s infamous movie nights, each has left their own unique marks on Hackley.

Dr. Russell has been passionately teaching English at Hackley since her arrival in 2006. “It’s interesting how much the school has changed since I’ve been here. In some ways, Hackley today has almost nothing in common with the Hackley I joined nine years ago,” said Dr. Russell. “And yet the wonderful, engaged, and interested student body has stayed the same over the years–and that’s what’s kept me here.”

“She made me see literature in a much more mature, unique, and interesting way than I had ever been taught before,” said junior JC Peruzzi, “Everyday I would look forward to her class in a way I never had before.”

Ms. Abelaf leaves a similarly impactful legacy on the Hackley campus, having been a member of our community since 1976. Ms. Abelaf is described by many of her students, such as junior Kat Cucullo, as an enlightened teacher who “often would share stories of her childhood and leave us with messages of wisdom.” “This experience was unique; I’ll miss the amazingly collaborative spirit between students and their teachers,” said Ms. Abelaf.

Ms. Greenup is also bidding goodbye after teaching at Hackley for the past two years. “Ms. Greenup’s classes inspire deep thinking; she’s the best at fostering interesting class discussions,” said junior Julia Medici. Ms. Greenup shares in this sentiment, describing her fondest memories as “the very lively and spirited class discussions,” having “learned so much from my students’ insights,” said Ms. Greenup.

Mr. Matheson leaves the Hilltop after a brief but memorable tenure, having just arrived this year. “He has really prompted me to think critically about what we learn in his class which has helped me to understand concepts on a deeper level,” said junior Meghan O’Keefe. Most students of Mr. Matheson’s remark on his signature sense of humor when remembering him most fondly. “His funny analogies always brightened up class discussion,” said Meghan. The feeling of respect is mutual, said Mr. Matheson, “I don’t know if I’ll ever be around such talented students and such accomplished colleagues again.”