(Montrose School)
If you wanted to find a student who needed advice, a place to talk through challenges, or simply a chat about weekend plans, you would probably find her with Ms. Dooley. Much more than just a teacher, she has been a person who we know truly cares and wants the best for us. Ms. Dooley has taught 9th and 10th grade Theology at Montrose for the past two years, and is much beloved by all of her students, inspiring both a love for God and Theology as a discipline in them. Most importantly, Ms. Dooley is someone who we have all been privileged enough to consider a friend in the best sense of the word.
When Ms. Dooley commented on her time at Montrose, she shared that her “favorite part has been the students and witnessing their growth from the beginning of the year to the end, inside and outside of the classroom.” It was this natural care for everyone she meets that gave Ms. Dooley’s teaching and mentoring styles their characteristic personality and honesty so valued by my classmates. She demonstrated to us what it means to live with faith, reason, conviction, and respect, values that are simple to say but require much love and work to live out. According to sophomore Lucy Tierney ‘28, “not only is Ms. Dooley an amazing Theology teacher who inspires faith in all of us, but she also is an honest and caring listener. You could talk, vent, or rant to Ms. Dooley about anything, and you would walk away feeling better, seen, or simply heard. She is a rare, relatable teacher who showed her care for all of us in her actions, not just her words.” On this point, Violet Kelley ‘28 also shared that “Ms. Dooley has helped me grow in my faith, both closer to God and expanding my knowledge. She is so kind and encouraging and I will miss her so much!”
If she could choose how she would be remembered at Montrose, Ms. Dooley said that she would want students to know she “was trying [her] best to do God’s will.” Ms. Dooley, I know I speak on behalf of the Class of 2028 and all of Montrose in saying that we will always remember you for this and so much more. Over these past two years, you were a teacher, mentor, inspiration, and even friend to us, and we could not be more grateful. We wish you the very best in your new journey ahead, and know that you will never be forgotten at Montrose. We promise that you will be in our thoughts and prayers and are always welcome back here for a visit (or two). So, Ms. Dooley, thank you for everything that you have given us over these special past few years, thank you.
By Elisabeth Smith ‘28, Co-Editor-in-Chief
