Fiona Fraser, dean of faculty, was presented a tree along Sage Hill’s driveway and an award for 10 years of service this year.

Her tree, one of the 20 along Sage Hill’s drive, was planted in 2000. These trees have become not only a symbol of Sage Hill’s progression, but also a recognition of teachers who have worked at Sage for at least ten years.

“It made me feel proud…that having been here ten years [ I ] was being recognized,” Fraser said. “[It is] cool to see how many trees are growing with people’s names on them.”

And it certainly is cool to see how many dedicated teachers and mentors we have; they are a vital part of our education at Sage.

The Sage Hill School website states, “Accreditation acknowledges the excellence upon which this school is built: a clear and compelling mission; a rigorous college preparatory curriculum; excellence in teaching; a motivated and diverse student body; and a state-of-the-art learning environment.”

Without the teachers and their hard earned efforts for students to succeed, Sage Hill School would not be what it is today nor would it be able to fulfill its mission.

As the award states,“in recognition of [her] significant, tireless and selfless contribution to the life of Sage Hill School” Fraser is and will always be a part of Sage Hill history.

Donna Okamura (2000)

Q: What was your favorite memory at Sage as a teacher/staff member?

A: Favorite memory? It was probably when I first met everybody, the original group of teachers. It was just a really special group of people. It was a lot more intimate.

Q: How did it feel to receive the award?

A: It was a really nice and unique gesture. It was organic and I like that and it was something you could watch over the years grow. So that was exciting.

Q: How does it feel to have worked here for so long?

A: It feels great! I love this school. It’s really unique and its philosophy and its service programs, the students are all polite and motivated. It’s really special in that way.

Merja Connolly (2000)

Q: What was your favorite memory at Sage as a teacher/staff member?

A: Well, it’s hard to beat the first year of school because we were such a small group with thirty sophomores and ninety freshmen and twelve teachers. It was such an intimate experience, so I would say nothing would compare to all the discussions and meetings we had in that first year planning the school and talking about character development and the banners.

Q: How did it feel to receive the award?

A: Receiving the award for being a teacher here for ten years and having a tree named after me was a huge honor. I never thought something like that would happen, and I think it’s a fantastic tradition that the school has started and it’s an awesome feeling that it will always be there.

Q: How does it feel to have worked here for so long?

A: This year is actually my fourteenth year, I got the tree four years ago. It makes me feel proud. I reflect on all the amazing people that I have had a chance to work with and students I have had a chance to teach. I just feel extremely lucky.

Dan Thomassen (2000)

Q: What was your favorite memory at Sage as a teacher/staff member?

A: Well I have a lot. But I think it was when I got a birthday card once from a class in my first year, and I was pretty young and it said, “Happy 50th Birthday,” and I still have the card. There are thousandths of little things that happen everyday that makes it all pretty special.

Q: How did it feel to receive the award?

A: It was great! You know, a tree is something that is going to be here for a long time, longer than me, so it’s kind of a cool symbol to have that recognition. I’m proud of putting so much quality time here and the tree is a nice reminder of that.

Q: How does it feel to have worked here for so long?

A: I think, just like the students, as a teacher we learn and grow a lot as well. It’s cool to keep learning and trying to become better at teaching and become a better person. Also, some of my best friends work here too, so you get to work with good friends and see the students grow and have a lot of success. It’s really exciting.

Mona Spencer (2001)

Q: What was your favorite memory at Sage as a teacher/staff member?

A: The relationship between the staff and faculty. I enjoy coming to work which is usually a rarity with other people.

Q: How did it feel to receive the award?

A: It was neat because it felt exciting to see the commitment I have made to Sage Hill as I drive up

the driveway.

Q: How does it feel to have worked here for so long?

A: I have actually worked here for twelve years. It is a good place to work where it is enjoyable and you’re respected. That’s why so many people stay here.

The Tree Holders:

Sally Bedoya

Jason Nguyen

Mer Connolly-Freund

Nate Miller

Donna Okamura

Amy Ray

Torrey Olins

Angela Oliver

David Hsu

Cece Angotti

Rena Hansen (Dear)

Gordon McNeill

Megan Eddy

Pete Anderson

Arlie Parker

Ingrid Gustavson

Mona Spencer

Mike Walker

Dan Thomassen

Fiona Fraser