Horizon 2025 - Flipbook - Page 40
STAFF STUFF CONTINUED
Staff Holiday Party Brought Cheer to Campus
Shelton’s staff holiday party on Dec. 18, 2024, was a festive
celebration filled with treats, raffles and holiday cheer.
Organized by Laura Berend, Shelly Lloyd and Caitlin Royall,
the event featured decorations
led by Christina Rosen and Lisa
Winkler and music by DJ Ken Utz.
Guests enjoyed delicious food and
a showstopping Shelton Yule log
provided by SAGE Foodservice
Director Christian Moreno and the
SAGE team.
The celebration included a variety
of door prizes donated by Shelton
staff members Bob Sherman,
Kendra Murphy, Will Riemer and
more. Jenny Duncan entertained
attendees with a spirited reading
as the Holiday Elf.
Jenny Duncan composed
a poem as the Shelton
Holiday Elf.
Executive Director Suzanne Stell shared warm holiday
wishes, and Shelton Parents’ Association Co-Presidents
Kimberly Kahn and Leigh Erin Lundy acknowledged the
hard work of faculty and staff. Thanks to the generosity of
Shelton families, the Holiday Happiness initiative raised an
extraordinary $128,500 for staff. The effort was coordinated
by SPA Holiday Happiness Co-Chairs Renee Jansen and
Chuck Marlett.
Front row: Mary Drexler; back row, from left: Marissa
Montgomery, Kelli Yonker and Morgan Richard.
Thank You to Our 2025 Retirees for Their Dedication
Mary Connolly: 14 years
After 14 years of teaching at Shelton,
Mary Connolly retired. Over the years,
she taught Biology, Chemistry, Honors
Chemistry, Physics and Forensics,
inspiring countless students with her
passion for science. Mary looks forward
to enjoying time at home with her family
and traveling.
“It was truly gratifying to witness students actively engaging
in the learning process, especially in the field of science.
When alumni returned to express their gratitude,
it reinforced the value and fulfillment of teaching.”
Amy Cushner: 31 years
After 31 years at Shelton, Amy Cushner,
Associate Head of School for Early
Childhood through Sixth Grade, retired.
Cushner began as a first-grade assistant
in 1994 and rose through the ranks to
leadership roles, including 14 years as
assistant head and five as associate
head. She also taught MACAR, SEE
and other courses through Outreach,
presenting across the U.S., China and Canada.
Though stepping away from her role, Cushner will continue
consulting, training and educating parents. In her final
message, she quoted “The Giving Tree”: “I am but a
reflection of your own generosity,” said the Boy to the Tree.
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NOVEMBER 2025
THE HORIZON
SHELTON SCHOOL
Susan Ruff: 11 years
Middle School English Department
Chair Susan Ruff is retiring after 11
wonderful years at Shelton. A Baylor
graduate, she taught English in several
states across grades 7–11 before
focusing on middle school.
“Helping students learn at their own
pace and achieve academic success
has been the most rewarding part of my teaching career,”
she said. Ruff plans to travel with her husband, care for her
parents and visit her children around the country.
Marsha Harris: 10 years
After earning a journalism degree from
University of North Texas and working
in advertising, Middle School English
teacher Marsha Harris followed a
longtime dream to become a teacher.
She taught in Richardson ISD for nine
years before joining Shelton, thanks
to encouragement from her best
friend, Susan Ruff. After another nine
wonderful years, Harris and Ruff are retiring together.
“The time has passed so quickly, and I have loved my
experience as a Shelton English teacher, but it is time for
another chapter,” Harris said. She and her husband plan to
move to Charlotte, N.C., to be near their children.
