Suzanne Hannay (English) (Most Popular Teacher 1973)

Profile Updated: May 20, 2018
Residing In: Heath, MA USA
Spouse/Partner: J.F.R.Palmer
Occupation: Artist (oil paintings)
Yes! Attending Reunion
Position(s) occupied while at FHHS

English Teacher

Years served on faculty at FHHS

1968 - 1977

Do you still see/talk to/hang out with any classmates or faculty? Who?

I was so sorry to learn of the death of Augusta Adams and Sylvia Seidel--both strong women who took me under their collective wings when I was a brand new teacher with little experience but lots of enthusiasm and free time. "Gusta" in particular gave me a tremendous push forward by sharing a section of her A.P. English classes with me. She mothered me through many crises during those early years of my career. When I moved on finally to a New England boarding school and discovered the challenge of running a senior boys' dorm on my own, I often found myself wondering "what would Gusta do?" as I wrestled with so many issues. I think of her often still.
My husband and I visited Bob James in 2015 at his home close to the Battery in Charlestown, S.C. and it was a wonderful experience. Bob was just as I remembered him from the early 1970's at Fort Hunt. His penmanship is just a formal and precise as I remember it. He still had a lilt in his voice that was so distinctive. But he's also an artist of a different kind--a talented painter. His gorgeous house is home to lots of his art work. We shared stories of Scotland which we both have visited many times.

What are your memories at Fort Hunt (i.e. achievements, embarrassing moment, funniest thing you did, favorite coworkers, favorite students)?

I think of Fort Hunt students as very patient and talented characters who filled me with a love of teaching and a faith that I could help them learn. THEY taught me more than they will ever know. After all these years, I still remember the names and faces of so many of you! I wish I could see all of you again! Class of 1970--your 50th is coming up. Keep me on your mailing list.

I spent 2007-2008 teaching in Jordan in the opening year of King Abdullah's new school--KING'S ACADEMY. It was a tremendous experience and even caught the attention of ABC News's Terry McCarthy whose interview ended up on the evening national news. I made it onto the screen for about five seconds, but it was enough to register with Diane Pomeroy '70, Sandy Winnefeld '74, and John Tarpey'74. I got a cellphone call from "Diz" while on a field trip in Wadi Rum saying she'd seen me on T.V. and wanted to say "Hi." It was wonderful to hear from these "kids."

Suzanne's Latest Interactions

Mar 01, 2021 at 1:24 PM

I remember you well, John Einbinder! We were partners in an AutoCross. I drove ; you navigated. This had nothing to do with my teaching English. You talked me I to it somehow. Hope you are well!

May 15, 2019 at 12:33 PM

I am so very sorry to learn of the death of Constantine Vretos.  I have only the fondest memories of this  kind, gentle man who welcomed me to the world of high school teaching at Fort Hunt in the late summer of 1968.  I knew nothing, though I thought I knew everything.  He took me under his wing and kept me from doing damage to myself and my students.  He made me laugh--mostly at myself.  When I signed on to the Fort Hunt High School Association website, Dino was the first person I heard from.  I will never forget him.  I am so happy to learn that he married and had two daughters.  How lucky for all of you to have kept him close for all these years.

I send my deepest sympathy for your loss.

Suzanne Hannay

Heath, Massachusetts

May 15, 2019 at 8:34 AM

I've been meaning to write back since I read a lovely comment you wrote about me here. I remember you well, David Demeter! Thank you for your kindness. You were part of that fabulous Class of 1970 that taught me how to teach. Your encouragement saw me through to 46 years in the classroom. I've heard from a number of you guys over the last 49 years--even ran into Rick Atkinson at a journalism conference at Columbia University in NYC. I'm giving serious thought to coming to the 50th Reunion in Alexandria next year--a faraway destination from my farm in remote western Massachusetts--but worth it.
All my best,
Suzanne Hannay