After 31 years as Washington Academy’s English teacher, Mrs. Jean Plummer is retiring.  Jean graduated from Westfield High School in Westfield, Massachusetts in 1954. She went on to attend Westfield College, also in Massachusetts where she majored in English. Next on her path to further her education, Jean received her Masters Degree in Communications and Journalism from the University of Maine. Her dedication as a National Writing Project/University of Maine Writing Project Teacher Consultant guided many students over the years. During her time at WA, she served as Chair of the English Department, National Honor Society Advisor, Formal Speaking Advisor, Honor Graduation Speaker’s Advisor, and Advisor for the Silver Quill (WA’s literary magazine). When asked how Mrs. Plummer influenced her, Courtney Radeka ‘11 replied, “she made English very interesting and she was a big influence in my decision to pursue a degree in education.”  Jean plans on continuing her work with young writers through the Maine Writing Project, as well as continue her own personal writing. Everyone at WA wishes Mrs. Plummer all of the best in her retirement!

To honor the service and commitment to all of the students and staff of WA, the Board of Trustees honored
Jean Plummer with a beautifully crafted study chair embossed with the school seal, which was presented
to her at the end of year faculty and staff lunch. Mrs. Plummer is pictured with several WA staff members,
who were also her former students. Back Row (L-R): Steven Lynch ’02, Doug Holmes ’81,
Laurie Schoppee ’92, Holly Costley ’88, Paula McBrine ’86, Ashley Maker ’03, and Shawn Schmitter ’03;
Front Row (L-R): Heidi Reynolds, Jean Plummer, and Sherry Radeka ‘84