Wendy Peterson
Position: Art Teacher & Class Advisor
School: Harwood Union Middle High School
School District: Harwood Unified School District
City, State: Moretown, VT
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Wendy Peterson was nominated by a friend who wishes to remain anonymous.
In the fall of 2016, the Moretown community suffered a tragedy when they lost four juniors from Harwood Union Middle/High School and one sophomore from Kimball Union Academy in a fatal car crash.
In the aftermath of a tragedy that sent shockwaves through the school and community, everyone pulled together to support each other, including Ms. Peterson. She sprung into action and organized a community wide “Celebration of Life” to honor the students and their families.
Each student was recognized with a star signifying the light they brought to the community. That celebration was attended by thousands and served the start of the healing process for Harwood students and staff. Students and staff alike leaned on Ms. Peterson, and still do. She is like a magnet, attracting those who need a shoulder to cry on, a hug, a laugh, or an example of how to have a good cry and bounce back. Her very being teaches the meaning of resilience and strength in a time of darkness.
Ms. Peterson's art room serves as a refuge where students flock to for compassion and comfort. Some might have faltered being surrounded by grieving students everyday, but Ms. Peterseon shows them how to be positive. As the 2018 class advisor, she is gently shepherding her students through the milestones of high school.
Last year, she worked with students to plan one of the most beautiful proms the school has ever seen. The theme of Starry Night proudly displayed stars – a tribute to the memory of students' classmates. This year, she's helping the class of 2018 plan their graduation ceremony and class gift. She is coordinating with students, parents, community members, and colleagues to build a gazebo as an enduring memory to honor the Harwood “stars.” Ms. Peterson has shown support for her students, day in and day out.
"Some say good teaching is an art, not a science. Ms. Peterson is a master of the art of teaching." her nominator said. "She is that rare combination of nurturing parent, demanding scholar, and steady anchor all in one person. With her sound advice, she teaches students how to be the best version of themselves and not settle for less. And that is exactly what Ms. Peterson models for herself as well."
In her classes, Wendy works with students until every single one has created something they can be proud of, and she helps students organize school events year round. She works to create a real connection with all of her students, even those who are hard to reach who are sometimes the ones who need it most. She is funny, caring, tireless, and kind, some of the best qualities a teacher could have.
Wendy is an inspiration to work with for her colleagues and learn from for her students. She helps each student comprehend that art is a "subject" worthy of serious study and feel art as a therapeutic life changing act. She is the emotional heart of our school.
Wendy is an amazing educator and colleague. She is thoughtful, professional, funny and has a huge heart. Wendy is beloved at Harwood as a mentor, teacher and friend.
Wendy's students achieve artistic excellence through her seamless instruction and comforting, nurturing classroom environment. Her humor and friendship are available to all.
Wendy is kind, creative and an amazing colleague. She is student-centered and supports all students. She is most deserving of this nomination and award.
Sally McCarthy
Wendy is a treasured colleague of mine. She sees the role of educator in a holistic manner; recognizing that students' lives are complicated and require true understanding. Wendy really stepped up during the tragedy but this is not unusual for her. Her classroom is a haven for students who are struggling. She is incredibly kind and empathetic with every person who enters. We are truly lucky to have a person of her caliber at our school.
Wendy is a teacher who takes the "art" of differentiation to a very high level, making art accessible and engaging to students of all abilities. Students love her classes and quickly feel that art is an area in which they can succeed. She is truly a lifechanger for many of them.
What can I say, she has high expectations for everyone, even me, her fiancee. And I also happen to be her colleague at Harwood. I have known Wendy for nearly twenty years. She's the consummate professional; part cheerleader, part mentor, part comic relief for staff and students. During all-school assemblies, you can hear her laughing loudly, a brilliant, joyous laugh, which can be infectious.
We have a tremendously dedicated staff at our school, and she, humbly, would argue she is one of many who are dedicated to providing our students with a safe, creative, and rigorous environment. Her humility is just another one of those qualities that makes Wendy a beautiful person.
Wendy is so deserving of this honor. Her thoughtful words, positive energy, fun spirit, and warm hugs have impacted so many lives. She inspires students (and family members!) every day and we are proud of all she has done for our community. Love you Wendy!
We are truly lucky to have Wendy at Harwood! She supports and inspires students in so many creative ways. She has a gift for connecting with both students and staff. Her sense of humor and generous spirit are amazing. Rock on Wendy!
We are truly lucky to have a teacher like Wendy at Harwood. She takes the time to connect with students while encouraging their creativity and perseverance. She so deserves this recognition for all of her hard work and compassion.
Wendy has a unique relationship or connection with high school students. She levels with them, she understands them and she is a trusted advisor. Her creative drive extends far beyond that of "art teacher", she embodies creativity and that energy serves to energize her students and encourage them to pursue their own interests and talents. Wendy is an empath and so easily approached. Her role as a teacher is broad and certainly bends toward counselor and trusted confidant...a valuable set of attributes that makes her a magnet for students during the pivotal high school age.
Go Wendy! You lead with your heart and that's what students - what we all - need most of all. Wendy you are so deserving of this honor.
Wendy is an amazing teacher and person! Always one of the chillest teachers (with an excellent taste in music) and always supportive of her students and their art work. Having class with Wendy almost isn’t like a class because of how much fun it is!
Wendy is a constant source of inspiration for students at Harwood and is always coming up with inventive ways to make art more accessible for all students. Love you Wendy!
I was on a committee with Wendy, and we were tasked with introducing a new program to the school. She helped delegate tasks to others, and she did a ton of work herself. I was impressed by all of the details she addressed. Wendy goes above and beyond for her students and for the Harwood community on a regular basis. I can't think of a more deserving teacher at our school.
Wendy was there for me when every I needed to talk to her. she is one of us she fits in with our students. Wendy has been there to make me smile even when i'm sad, this award should go to Wendy she is the best teacher out there 100%.
Wendy is an incredible teacher, mentor, and soul. She always is open to listening to students, helping through whatever they are working through whether an art assignment or personal issues, and she always brings a positive life force into the classroom. You can truly tell that Wendy cares deeply for her students. In addition to this she is a very talented and skilled artist, but furthermore she is able to pass her skills and knowledge on to countless classes of young people without them even realize they are learning something new. She brings the gift of art, creation, and the numerous skills that come with it to her students every day. I can honestly say that class either Wendy is one of the only things that keeps me coming to school and makes me happy. I am forever grateful to her.
I was a student of Wendy's in 1997. Everything that was said in Wendy's nominee profile couldn't be more turn for the time I was in school as well.
Wendy has been an amazing Art teacher for both of our children. She has inspired and help unlock their abilities to create beautiful work as well as help them with all of life's frustrating moments.
I can't think of a more deserving educator to receive this award. I have known Wendy for over a decade. When I worked at Harwood as a para-educator she was compassionate with all spectrum of kids. Her curriculum was outstanding- keeping the kids interested and driven. Her sense of humor was delightful and engaged the students. She never turned anyone who was in need away. She always put in extra time for fund-raisers and school spirit. She cares. She works hard. She was a huge part of my own daughter's success- she is grown up now and is an active artist to this day. I am so thankful that she was and continues to be there in her work capacity as well as for her community support and beyond.
Ms. Wendy is an amazing teacher who always makes everyone feel welcome and comfortable. She does an amazing job of educating all students from different backgrounds and with different abilities. She has a way of pushing everyone to do their best work and meeting each student where they are at.
She especially has a knack for working with students with special needs and bringing them joy through art. She sometimes helped with Best Buddies activities by giving supplies and ideas.
Wendy always brings positivity and fun to any environment. She deeply cares about her students and colleagues!
Wendy and the classroom environment she provides is what excites my children to get out of bed and get to school. She offers students the opportunity to be creative, express themselves, be themselves, take risks without judgment, and find a healthy balance to the rigors of academics. I am so grateful for the love and appreciation my kids have for Wendy and her art program. They are so fortunate to have her as a teacher, role model and friend.
I've had Wendy a couple times and every semester I have her I seem to be much happier. Being around her and in her classes just gives me a reason to come to school everyday, and a reason to be happy. I always look forward to seeing Wendy in class, she always brightens up my day. When I see her outside of school she does the same things. She is one of the greatest people to be around, and I feel very comfortable talking to her because she is very respectful of my privacy, and always makes sure that I'm ok, except for the fact that Wendy doesn't settle for 'ok' she won't stop until you are happy and are having a great time.
Wendy has had 3 of my 4 children over the years and one of my exchange students. She is always kind, considerate, and caring, as well as just a fun, full of life individual. I’m very pleased for her with this nomination. Congratulations Wendy!
Wendy has been a fantastic teacher and friend. I spend my first three high school years working very hard to get as many credits out of the way as possible. That left my senior year open to spend almost all my time in the art department. I got to spend a lot of time with Wendy that year, which is always fun. Earlier, in my sophomore year, I was going through severe depression and an incredibly difficult social situation. Having Wendy as a teacher and support system was honestly one of the reasons I am still here today. As I have seen her do with other students, she is amazing at recognizing when a student is struggling and needs a check-in. I am very grateful to her, and happy that we continue, after my graduation, to have a connection.
Wendy is an extraordinary educator who inspires her students and faculty alike She is a talented artist, a dedicated teacher and a close friend to many at our school. Her warmheartedness and her deep sense of empathy and compassion helped us all through a hard time last year when five of our students were killed tragically. Wendy worked with students and faculty to organize a Celebration of Life Event that was attended by several thousand individuals throughout Central Vermont Her classes are always booked to the fullest, and students often spend their free time in Wendy's room as they feel inspired, safe and supported by her quiet presence, humor and flashing smile. She is one of the faculty that I admire most in our building; she is a role model for me and for others!
She would let students have extra credit if they can bring something in that had Brad Pitt; I had Mrs. Peterson & Mrs. Gargon when I was a student; it was hard to write slow in gargons class; I did ceramic & designs of art; Wendy let people be on their own pace but plus had to work on the art at home but color the impressive art before changing to the next task!!! Wendy and Carol always greets the students up in the art area no matter which one you have for art!!!
I worked with Wendy for many years at Harwood. She is a dedicated, creative teacher, and a consummate professional. She knows her students as people, and takes the time to bring out the best in both her students and colleagues and has been steady constant when times got tough. The Washington West District is lucky to have had her on staff for so many years.
Wendy a true staple of what Harwood is. Her passion for every part of the community, our space is only equaled by commitment to our students.
Wendy is an amazing person who is always there for everyone, and an amazing teacher as well.
Wendy is literally the best art teacher or teacher I’ve ever had!
When I think back on my school years, Wendy is always one of the teachers that sticks out as my favorite. Always there to lend an ear, or encourage she was a huge part of my time at Harwood. If I was having a bad day, or just had a free period I could go up to the art room and help out with whatever class she had at that time.
I'm glad to hear that nothing has changed in the years I've been out of school. It's nice to know that the kids there today have the same Wendy to lean on in times of trouble. The Harwood community is stronger because of her.
Wendy is a beloved second mom to my daughter, who has been lucky to have Wendy's caring support throughout her high school years. She would be deserving of this award.
Wendy's enthusiasm for art is infectious. She has touched the lives of many. For our family, Wendy's classroom has been something of a therapeutic setting for our daughter while she is navigating her very busy senior year. She has said that she feels a sense of relief when she walks into Wendy's class because of Wendy's warmth and because she can just focus on the art and close everything else out for a while. We are grateful for that!
Wendy heals thru her knowledge, her empathy, her creativity, her heart and her smile. We are blessed to have her enriching our children and helping them heal thru art.
Wendy has been a bright spot in my child's life over the past year. Suffering from traumatic stress and grief, Wendy has opened up her classroom and shared her talent for teaching and connecting with students. She has accepted more students into her class that need the therapeutic aspect of art in their lives. She is consistently there to teach, support and mentor students in times of need. Wendy always opens her space up during extended learning periods to allow students to have a constructive place to work, be supported and nurtures their creative side. I can't express how much Wendy's presence, kind and caring demeanor has touched my daughter's life. She undoubtedly deserves this award.
Totally agree with the letter describing Wendy as a nominee. I have known Wendy for more than 20 years and her ability to connect with young people as well as deliver leadership by example is simply awesome. I also appreciate her manner of mutual respect for everyone she meets. Wendy has and will always have my vote.
Wendy has been a rock for my son Ryan in his time at Harwood. He has been in her class but is also in her TA group. He is a senior now and the relationship they have is special. When my son lost his friends last year he really leaned on her and while she was suffering the lost herself she gave of herself to make sure he always had what he needed. A hug, someone to talk to or just a place to be sad and quiet. I know he was not the only one that she was a source of strength for just to get through the day. She is so devoted to these student both at school and beyond. She also kept open communications between myself and her to make sure she had the full picture and we were both supporting Ryan in whatever he needs. Thank you Wendy
Wendy has an eternal smile that warms the entire room. She is always positive and her patience knows no end. Her creative touch and dedication bring all working with her to the next level. She is an inspiration.
I have had Wendy as a teacher before and she always in a happy mood trying to make everyone around her be happy. She has that special way of making people happy and laugh no matter what is going on. She finds a way to make life full of job and happiness. She loves her students and cares about them. She will help you with anything that is class related and personal things. She a shoulder to cry on when its needed. A person to go to when you don't want to go to anyone else. She is an amazing person and I hope that she gets this award for all of that great things she had done.
Wendy is a talented art teacher at Harwood Union and holds high expectations for her students, challenging them to fulfill their creative talents and produce amazing work. Most importantly what separates Wendy from others is her kind and caring heart! The manner in which she interacts with students and adults is impressive. She is genuine and cares deeply about her students and when she interacts with them she makes them feel as if they are the most important person in the room. Students trust her and confide in her. She is a source of strength and support and always has a listen ear whenever they need her. Her room is a space where students feel safe and supported.
Over the past year, with the horrific loss that we experienced as a community, Wendy has been a pillar of strength and support for students and staff. She is one of the senior class lead advisors and she expends tremendous energy and effort supporting this class and these students. I can not think of a more deserving candidate as I have witnessed first hand the life-changing impact Wendy has had on students and members of the Harwood Community. She is a gem and we are so fortunate to have her working with our students everyday.
I have never actually been in one of Wendy's classes as a student, but I do pay her regular visits in my free time and I love every second I spend with her. I remember when I was first asked to join the Class Council I was very excited because I really enjoy being involved in student voice at my school. I walked into the art room not knowing who was in here, what this room was even for, and if I was at the right place or not. This combination of uncertainty and excitement led to a lot of anxiety, and I was so nervous I could barely open the door. But as soon as one of my best friends walked around the corner we went in together, and Wendy welcomed us like she had known us our entire lives. She is probably the warmest person I know, always smiling and always waiting with open arms since hugs are her go-to greeting. We all have been through some tough times this past year, but through it all Wendy was one of the strongest teachers in the school, and I know that without her we would have never been able to do so many of the amazing things we did for those kids that we lost.
Wendy is one of the most compassionate and caring souls out there. She faces whatever comes her way with a positive attitude, whether that be a complaining couple of TA members or something much bigger. I truly view her as an inspiration and despite my often times difficult personality I am extremely thankful for her patience and kind heart. My time in high school has never been easy, but she has certainly made it much better for me. I don't know what my time at Harwood would have been like without her constant support.
Ms. Peterson has always been there for me whenever I felt down. She would come up to you with a smile on her face, and talk to you to see what is going on, then after words she would help you out by jumping on to something fun and enjoyable to do. It is great to know that I can walk up to her and tell her some problems that I am having and that she will listen to you. Then afterwords will change your day around by making/doing something fun and enjoyable to do. She is a loving mother to everyone.
Wendy is my school mom and always has been. I remember sophomore year when I was falling behind in school, I was stressed and emotional and Wendy was with me every step of the way. Checking in with me every day to see how I was doing, meeting with my teachers, and even explaining the situation to my parents. Junior year after the accident, I worked with Wendy planning the memorial and prom. She was always there to have the hard conversations and help push through the difficult planning. I have never had the kind a relationship with a teacher like I do with Wendy. I know I can always go to her for anything and you really feel like you're her top priority. She has such an amazing energy and is one of the most caring supportive people I know. I am so thankful to have had her by my side all throughout high school.
