Where Are They Now? Ann Boyer Conroy
English and History Teacher; Program Chairperson
1979-1983
Favorite Saint Viator memory:
I remember chaperoning a weekend ski trip at Rib Mountain. Can't remember which student challenged me to a race down a hill, but I ended up falling and breaking a few ribs, which seemed ironic since we were at Rib Mountain. My sister also came along and ended up in the ER with some stitches. We weren't the best chaperones!
The impact teaching at Saint Viator had on you:
I have always loved teaching but the years at Saint Viator were some of my favorites. The faculty there inspired me, the students were a special group, and Pat Render and Pat Mahoney were so dedicated to making Saint Viator a great school for all students. I think I grew as a teacher from the collaboration between staff members. Watching so many talented teachers helped me to hone my craft. I also know that a common trait of the teachers I worked with was a good sense of humor and that quality carried with me to other jobs and to raising my sons. I know that when I moved to Madison, I was very sad to leave Saint Viator. It's funny to look back on that now because on my first day at Saint Viator I came home traumatized because a student swore at me because I had replaced a legendary teacher! I wanted to quit right then and there. Thank goodness I didn't because I would have missed out on some wonderful years of teaching.
What made Saint Viator unique:
At the time, it was very unique to have a school that offered different programs based on different learning styles. Most schools had a one size fits all approach. It was also a unique school because families were so involved and the staff was so much fun. Several of us met on Sunday mornings to play volleyball.
Former colleagues you stay in touch with:
Br. Mike Gosch, Fran Baumgartener, Jerry Leitner
Town you currently reside in:
Madison, WI
What you are doing now:
I'm a retired special education teacher. I went back to school at age 50 to get my special education degree. I then worked in two Madison public elementary schools helping children with autism, emotional, and behavior disorders, learning disabilities, etc. I have been a guest teacher in elementary schools since I retired six years ago. When schools opened after COVID, I worked full time. I spend a lot of time on my bike, raising funds for Leukemia/Lymphoma research. Last year, I rode 5,678 miles. I love to ski in the winter and have also traveled extensively - India, Vietnam, Madeira, Provence, to name a few. Plus I love spending time with my 2-year-old grandson Jack, who is the love of my life, along with my 3 sons and daughter-in-law.
Message for former colleagues and students:
I think of all of you and wonder what you are doing. Wishing you the best life has to offer!
Get in touch:
Back
1979-1983
Favorite Saint Viator memory:
I remember chaperoning a weekend ski trip at Rib Mountain. Can't remember which student challenged me to a race down a hill, but I ended up falling and breaking a few ribs, which seemed ironic since we were at Rib Mountain. My sister also came along and ended up in the ER with some stitches. We weren't the best chaperones!
The impact teaching at Saint Viator had on you:
I have always loved teaching but the years at Saint Viator were some of my favorites. The faculty there inspired me, the students were a special group, and Pat Render and Pat Mahoney were so dedicated to making Saint Viator a great school for all students. I think I grew as a teacher from the collaboration between staff members. Watching so many talented teachers helped me to hone my craft. I also know that a common trait of the teachers I worked with was a good sense of humor and that quality carried with me to other jobs and to raising my sons. I know that when I moved to Madison, I was very sad to leave Saint Viator. It's funny to look back on that now because on my first day at Saint Viator I came home traumatized because a student swore at me because I had replaced a legendary teacher! I wanted to quit right then and there. Thank goodness I didn't because I would have missed out on some wonderful years of teaching.
What made Saint Viator unique:
At the time, it was very unique to have a school that offered different programs based on different learning styles. Most schools had a one size fits all approach. It was also a unique school because families were so involved and the staff was so much fun. Several of us met on Sunday mornings to play volleyball.
Former colleagues you stay in touch with:
Br. Mike Gosch, Fran Baumgartener, Jerry Leitner
Town you currently reside in:
Madison, WI
What you are doing now:
I'm a retired special education teacher. I went back to school at age 50 to get my special education degree. I then worked in two Madison public elementary schools helping children with autism, emotional, and behavior disorders, learning disabilities, etc. I have been a guest teacher in elementary schools since I retired six years ago. When schools opened after COVID, I worked full time. I spend a lot of time on my bike, raising funds for Leukemia/Lymphoma research. Last year, I rode 5,678 miles. I love to ski in the winter and have also traveled extensively - India, Vietnam, Madeira, Provence, to name a few. Plus I love spending time with my 2-year-old grandson Jack, who is the love of my life, along with my 3 sons and daughter-in-law.
Message for former colleagues and students:
I think of all of you and wonder what you are doing. Wishing you the best life has to offer!
Get in touch:
Via email at annjconroy@gmail.com
Saint Viator High School
Located in Arlington Heights, IL, Saint Viator High School is a private, co-ed, Catholic school for grades 9-12. Students benefit from a challenging academic program, fine and performing arts, competitive athletics, and a wide selection of extracurricular activities.