Back to School: Former WSA History Teacher Laurence Kerr Joins West Sound Academy Board of Trustees

POULSBO, Wash. - Feb. 16, 2014 - PRLog -- Laurence Kerr brought a wealth of experience and wisdom from his years as a Career Member of the U.S. Senior Foreign Service to West Sound Academy.  He served as a history teacher and college counselor for Upper School students from 2009 through 2012.  In a demonstration of his continuing commitment to West Sound Academy, Kerr has joined the school’s Board of Trustees, the group of volunteer parents and community members who are responsible for policy decisions, financial oversight, and governance of WSA affairs.

Jeffrey Uyyek, Board Chair, is pleased to have Kerr become a trustee.  "We're extremely pleased that Larry will be joining the board of trustees.  The global perspective his long service with the State Department brings, along with his familiarity with WSA as a former teacher, fits perfectly with our vision of WSA as an IB World School."  Barrie Hillman, WSA Head of School, agrees, adding,  "We're glad to welcome Larry back to WSA.  He will be a real benefit to the school, having experience in both the classroom and the boardroom of other non-profits."

A Bainbridge Island resident, Kerr has always been active in the community.  He is past Chairman of the Board of Bainbridge Chorale and has served as a board member for Bainbridge Youth Services, and sings with the Bainbridge Island vocal group, Side by Side.

Even after his WSA teaching days ended, Kerr kept up his involvement with the school, periodically stopping by to donate books to the library or stay for a chat with teachers. Kerr has always enjoyed sailing and woodworking, and he used his expertise in boat building when he returned to WSA in the role of teacher for the 2014 Jan Term class, Wooden Boat Restoration.

Kerr is now getting reacquainted with members of the Class of 2014.  These students had Kerr for Western Civilization in 9th grade and American History in 10th, and were thrilled when their former teacher accepted their invitation to speak at their graduation on May 29.  They are ready for another lesson from Mr. Kerr on the night of their commencement.