Sometimes, in the strangest way, everything you've ever wanted seems to be magically placed in your lap. My entire life, I have loved theatre, the town of Englewood, and my alma mater Lemon Bay High School. In the summer of 2018, I received a phone call from Lemon Bay offering me a temporary position in a unit for student's with special needs. At the time, I was teaching 5th grade Language Arts and History, and I loved my job. Nevertheless, I accepted the position and began the next chapter of my story. I became good friends with Mrs. Rawlings (the previous theatre teacher) through my life-long friend/sister Sarah Baer, and started helping with last year's spring musical "Grease."
When Mrs. Rawling's husband took a position in North Carolina, I was heartbroken. The program was finally thriving again, and she had done so many wonderful things with and for the students. One day, while working with the color guard over the summer, I happened upon our principal, Mr. Bedford. He asked me, in jest, if I would be interested in the drama position. I really thought he was kidding, but told him "of course!" It's no secret that this theatre program has been through the ringer, so I did not take this offer lightly. I will be the SIXTH teacher/director that our seniors have had in their four years at Lemon Bay.
My pledge to this school, the community, and our students is that I will stay the course. I don't have any fancy theatrical degrees or tons of experience, but what I DO have is heart and commitment that is unmatched. I have been blessed with a phenomenal support system, and know that together we can bring LBHS theatre back to it's former glory. I have never worked this hard in my life at anything, but I also have never been more satisfied and truly happy. Please join me in congratulating the cast and crew on what promises to be a magical start to your holiday season.
In Serendipitous Solidarity,
Sarah Ballard-Richardson
Theatre Teacher
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