Debra Ward:
CLASS OF 1972
Shenendehowa High SchoolClass of 1972
Clifton park, NY
East Columbus High SchoolClass of 2004
Lake waccamaw, NC
Christian Brothers AcademyClass of 2000
Syracuse, NY
Liverpool High SchoolClass of 1981
Liverpool, NY
Ichabod Crane High SchoolClass of 1972
Valatie, NY
Debra's Story
Life
My Spouse
We met at Cornell - Keith's an engineer with a MBA and has worked in nuclear power his entire career. Currently he's a manager of engineering (technical support/programs/special projects) for the two Brunswick nuclear plants in Southport, NC. This year we celebrate our 36th anniversary.
My Kids
Cheri: Age 30, completed her doctorate in Physical Therapy and took a job in St.Thomas, USVI. She enjoyed the beaches, snorkeling, SCUBA diving and island life while working in her field for 7 years and we enjoyed visiting her! She has done mission/humanitarian work in Nicaragua, Belize, the Dominican Republic, and Rwanda. She loves international travel, and has been to various places in Europe, Vietnam, Cambodia, Egypt, Jordan and throughout the Caribbean. She returned to school to pursue a Masters in International Health at Harvard and just accepted a new job in Boston to work for a nonprofit. Who knows where in the world that will take her next!
Kevin: Age 25, received his degree in computer engineering from NC State University in Raleigh. He is working in Arlington, VA as a software engineer for Decisive Analytics Corporation, writing computer programs used by the Department of Defense and military intelligence. His mission work has been all in Appalachia, and he is an Eagle Scout. He regularly sails in the Chesapeake, plays Ultimate Frisbee and meets college buddies for whitewater rafting, hiking, camping and the occasional paintball competition. He sailed in the Bermuda Ocean Race this spring - nearly 3 weeks on the boat from Annapolis to Bermuda and back.
My Career
I now teach AP Biology and Biology 1 and work with the Science Olympiad Team at Hoggard High School right here in Wilmington, NC. Over the years I have taught at Liverpool High School and Christian Brothers Academy in Syracuse, and East Columbus High School in North Carolina. I took a 14-year "maternity leave" in the 1980's and early 90's to stay home when...Expand for more
our children came along, thoroughly enjoying motherhood. I absolutely LOVE teaching teenagers, although at times I'm not sure if they are "keeping me young" or "making me old"!!
Leisure Time
We spend as much time as possible boating on the Intracoastal Waterway, enjoying the barrier islands and walking for miles on undeveloped beaches. Life on the coast is wonderful (as long as the hurricanes stay away!). I spend summers at our lake cottage in DeRuyter, NY, visiting with family and friends throughout upstate New York.
Church Home
Pine Valley United Methodist Church is our church home here in Wilmington, and it is a place of warm fellowship and many opportunities to deepen our faith walk through worship and study groups. Keith is the Scout Master for Boy Scout Troop 224, so helping them with science merit badges also keeps me busy. I serve as chairperson of Christian Education for the congregation.
School
I received my BS in biology from Cornell University in 1976 and my MS in Secondary Education/Biology from SUNY Oswego in 1980. When we were living in the Syracuse area both my husband and I were very active in Cornell Alumni organizations, each serving as president of the local Cornell Club at various times. I also served on the Cornell Federation Board for several years, and have conducted admissions interviews/applicant contact meetings for over 30 years as part of CAAAN.
Message:
If you have read this far, you still remember me(!), and I would love to hear from you. Whether you are one of my classmates from high school or college, or are one of my thousands of former students (ALL of whom are dear to my heart!!!), send me a message to let me know what you are up to. I still care about you, and would love to hear from you.
P.S. If you are a former student, you KNOW how I would love to pass along your "words of wisdom" to my current students, who could richly benefit from your sage advice on how to succeed in college/career/life!
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