Forever Conserved: Brendan Barrow

Brendan+Barrow+displays+his+juggling+talents+to+the+Sage+community+at+town+meeting.

Kelly Parker

Brendan Barrow displays his juggling talents to the Sage community at town meeting.

Ian Grimm

Sage Hill witnessed the loss of a respected member of its Science faculty with the departure of Brendan Barrow on Friday, October 5 as he left for a Physics position at Costa Mesa High School.

Barrow, who was known for teaching AP Physics, coaching both the water polo and Robotics teams, and for his uncannily similar appearance to biology teacher Dr. Haney, joined Sage in the 2017-2018 school year, quickly incorporating himself into the Sage culture.

He created his own Spring at Sage seminar, an introductory rocketry course, advised the Sage Hill Prosthetics Service Learning, all while teaching some of the most difficult science courses offered at Sage.

In the beginning of October, Barrow was offered an urgent opportunity with Costa Mesa High that he was conflicted over. He took the position, but he was torn between a better job in a better location for him, versus the community he found and valued at Sage.

“The choice between Costa Mesa and Sage was a difficult decision,” said Barrow. “It was a decision for my family. I really love Sage hill and the students, and I was really torn between leaving and staying.”

Ultimately, he had to make the choice that was better for his family but said he would remember his time at Sage Hill long after he left.

“[My time at Sage] has definitely made me really challenge myself [and] see different sides of teaching,” said Barrow. “I’ve really had a chance to develop here as a teacher and person.”

Barrow’s legacy stands strong in how his students remember his personality to this day.

Junior Timothy Guo said, “I’ll remember [Mr. Barrow] most from Spring at Sage, because I did the rocket seminar with him and he was really chill and helped us all a lot.”

Now a member of the coding wing of the Sage Hill Rocketry Club, Guo is pursuing the passion that Barrow nurtured in him.

When asked what stood out to him about the Sage culture and what he would take away from his tenure here, Barrow mentioned the atmosphere that the community created.

“I’ll remember the staff and the students…just how friendly everyone is at the school,” he said.

He emphasized how Sage had truly welcomed him into the school with open arms, and how both school and teacher made a lasting impact on one another’s journeys.