All Roads Lead Through the Dever: A Legacy 70 Years in the Making

 



All Roads Lead Through the Dever: A Legacy 70 Years in the Making

As the calendar turns and we face the final 35 days of this school year, the air at the Paul A. Dever School feels a bit heavier, yet more vibrant than ever. We aren't just counting down the days to summer; we are honoring a 70-year legacy that has shaped generations of families—including my own.

A Full-Circle Journey

My connection to this building isn’t just professional or civic; it’s deeply personal. The Dever is where my own education began over 30 years ago. It’s where my brother walked the halls, and most recently, it’s where I’ve watched my son grow as he prepares to finish his 7th-grade year at the Ruth Batson Academy.

Serving as your Parent Lead has been one of the greatest honors of my life. To give back to the institution that poured so much into me and my family is a debt of gratitude I can never fully repay.

A Gift for the Ages

Recently, during our Digitizing Night, I had the privilege of presenting our school community with a very special gift: an official street sign dedicated in the school’s honor.

It serves as a permanent reminder that the Dever isn't just a point on a map—it’s a crossroads for our entire community. All roads lead through the Dever. Whether you were here in the 1950s or you’re starting kindergarten today, you are part of a pavement that supports the future of this neighborhood.

The Question I’ve Been Avoiding

For weeks, people have been asking me: "What are you going to miss most about the Dever?"

I’ve avoided answering. I think, deep down, I wasn't ready to face the reality of this transition. But as the countdown hits these final five weeks, I finally have my answer.

I am going to miss:

  • The Community: The parents and neighbors who show up and step up.

  • The Students: Whose energy and brilliance remind us why we do this work.

  • The Educators & Staff: The "amazing" doesn't even begin to cover it; they are the heartbeat of this legacy.

Not a Goodbye, But a Growth

I’ve realized that I don't have to be sad about leaving, because I’ve accepted a simple truth: this isn't the end.

We are family. We are forever connected. No matter where we go next, we aren't leaving the Dever behind; we are taking a piece of this 70-year legacy with us. We are taking the "Dever Seed" and planting it in new communities, watching it grow into something beautiful.

As we finish these last 35 days, let’s do it with the pride that only this school can inspire.

Together, we are forever Dever Strong and Dever Determined.

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