A Hail and Farewell from Mrs. Bentley

A Hail and Farewell

By MaryAnn S. Bentley

A Hail and Farewell is a social gathering all armed services use to welcome newcomers to a new assignment and extends goodbyes to those leaving for another post.  I believe this is such a warm and kind tradition to show our affection for those who share our lives.  This tradition was passed down to me over fifty years ago when I met my wonderful husband, Farrar. The civilian world has retirement parties, but is remiss when it comes to changing one’s address or job position.  I have now come to that fork in the road when it is time for me to say farewell to over twenty years of administrative duties in the field of education and say hello to a bit more free time, but not entirely leaving my chosen profession.

The month of June will bring a transition to Regents Academy.  I will remove my administrator’s hat and become the Placement Director for Regents Academy. My new position will make ready our secondary students for life beyond these halls of ivy. The Placement Directors position is new and I look forward to embracing it with all of the energy, enthusiasm and excitement that I did my first teaching job in 1976.  My plan is to create a profile for our school, to clarify and align our Classical curriculum, as well as make our students ready for their chosen professions.  Along with guiding our students, I will administer and oversee all testing, such as: PSAT, Duke TIP, achievement tests, etc., and lighten the load of the administrator. I will also be available for college counseling with students and families on an as needed basis.

The Lord speaks and Mr. Bentley and I shall heed His instructions to scale back and make more time for our family. We have ten wonderful grandchildren and five fantastic children.  We have two sons in the active Army and have watched them travel in and out of Theater for over ten years.  Next school year will bring us back on a reduced schedule and Mr. Bentley will teach Spanish as I begin in my new position.   We heartily believe in the goals and missions of  Regents Academy and I am thankful for the past four years as your administrator.  The Regents Academy board has asked me to join them in membership and I consider it an honor to become a part of this auspicious body of leaders.

Mr. David Bryant, Academic Dean, will become the Regents Academy Administrator beginning in mid June, 2010.  I pass the mantle to Mr. Bryant knowing that the Regents Academy family will be in very capable hands.  A very hearty welcome to Mr. Bryant, his wife, Ashley and their children Aaron, Alice, Lindley and Sydney.

God’s blessings, love, and grace.