(Cami S./Staff)

On Saturday on January 29, our theatre lobby was dedicated to Mrs. Susan Neal, the beloved, former Middle and Upper School Theatre Director and Creative Expressions teacher, who also taught the Step and Stomp elective and English courses. 

Mrs. Neal passed away on June 24, 2017, after battling an invasive brain tumor. As she underwent treatment, Mrs. Neal continued to support her students, attending school events and the 5th-grade production of How to Eat Like a Child.

The dedication began in the Theatre Lobby at 5:30 p.m. with a slideshow created by Cindy Wilson and Jeremy Morgan that feature pictures of Mrs. Neal’s past productions, videos of her teaching, and memories with friends and family. 

Mrs. Neal’s husband, former Academy Art teacher Mr. Scott Neal, spoke in memory of his wife, along with Mrs. Neal’s daughter, alumna Jennifer Neal Bardavid ’97, Middle School Dean, Mrs. Susan Carter, and Head of School Mrs. Soderberg.

After the official unveiling of the plaque honoring Mrs. Neal, a reception followed in the Morris Art Gallery. Ms. Amy Seymore, a dear friend and colleague of Mrs. Neal, gave a final toast to her legacy. 

Mrs. Neal’s passion for the arts and her students was unparalleled, and her vision for the arts set the stage for Academy’s theatre department to continue to thrive for years to come.