As a resident of Andover since 1979, I have always been aware of and appreciate the presence of Proctor Academy in the heart of our town. My grandmother, Florence Hall Thompson, attended the school in the 1920s.

Our daughters attended and graduated in 2000 and 2002. We will be forever grateful to Proctor for supporting them and giving them an exceptional, extraordinary educational experience. Faculty members are not only teachers, but advisors, “acting parents”, coaches, friends, and family.

One such individual who has had a tremendous impact on hundreds of Proctor students and their families is Anne Swayze. It is because of her that I write this letter.

Anne Swayze dedicated 29 years to Proctor as teacher, coach, Dean of Students, and Assistant to the Head of School. She exemplified the core values of Proctor’s mission: honesty, compassion, respect, and responsibility.

Her sudden and quiet departure from the Proctor community this past July has left me puzzled and sad. There was no public “thank you,” no applause for a job well done and often celebrated on graduation day. These expressions of gratitude I would expect from a community that truly values honesty, compassion, respect, and responsibility.

For this reason, I would like to applaud Anne Swayze and give her a standing ovation. I want to express my appreciation for her dedication and hard work. I wish to thank her for her friendship, love, and care that she not only gave our daughters and family, but gave to every student and family that entered the doors of Proctor Academy over the past 29 years.

The most meaningful tribute to Anne can be found in their hearts and memories.

Donna Baker-Hartwell