Teachers are sometimes the most influential people to impact the lives of children. To succeed in teaching, one of the  most important traits one can possess is a love of children and knowledge. Throughout our school years, we encounter teachers that we love, teachers that we hate, and the rare teacher that is so wonderful we will never be able to forget her. Mrs. Dougherty is one of those  teachers. She is one of the most loved and admired figures on our campus.

“The one thing that is most telling about her relationship with the students is the respect the students have, enough to not cross her, but also to go to her with any problem,” states Mr. Dougherty, an ODA teacher known for his dry humor and quick wit, and for being Mrs. Dougherty’s husband.

Without a doubt, most students would say Mrs. Dougherty’s dedication is unmatched. If any student ever needs to talk to her, about anything, from the dog they just got, to a family crisis that is deeply affecting them, she is there to listen for as long as she is needed.

As the Head of Upper School, Mrs. Dougherty is one of the busiest people on this campus, yet whenever it comes to the well-being of  students, she always has time to spare. Students naturally go to her for advice and assurance because of her inherent  loving and motherly nature. She genuinely cares about  students not only as the Head of Upper School but also as unofficial upper school mother.

“Mrs. Dougherty is the most caring person I have ever met, and I’m not just saying that because I married her,” Mr. Dougherty continues about his wife. “She absolutely goes above and beyond her job description. She does things that I could never imagine doing.”

A senior shares, “Mrs. Dougherty is the first person I go to if I have any kind of problem. She  is one of the kindest people I have ever met, and her dedication to not only her job but her students never fails to amaze me.”

High school geometry teacher and fellow faculty member, Mrs. Murphy comments about Mrs. Dougherty, “So many people can go to her about so many different things… and not get judged.”

All of the students at ODA have at least once during their time here had a personal conversation with Mrs. Dougherty. Some are closer with her than others, but she is always there for any  student.

Upper school students shared a variety of thoughts on Mrs. Dougherty.

“She’s always there for me, especially when I’m stressed or worried about something. She’s like my mom away from home.”

“Mrs.Dougherty is one of the few people I trust. I know what I say to her will always be safe. She has been the person I go to when I don’t even know what to say and helps me find the words.”

“Not only is Mrs.Dougherty an amazing Head of School, she is an amazing person. She is one of the only teachers I’ve met that sacrifices most of her free time to helping students with whatever they need. She is kind, compassionate, and her dedication is unmatched. She is a true blessing and vital to this school.”

“Mrs. Dougherty really takes the time to listen to what I have to say. One time my sister mentioned to her that we had to put our dog down and I was taking it very hard, and she took the time to see how I was doing throughout the week.”

“When I first met Mrs.Dougherty, I’m not going to lie, I was a little suspicious of her. I had never met a teacher who actually cared about how my day was going. Most teachers ask in passing, but Mrs.Dougherty actually stopped and asked, and really cared. She also has an amazing outlook on life that is contagious. She could turn a bad day into a good one with just her attitude. I can’t help but think how different my high school career would have been if I hadn’t had her help navigating it.”

From her intelligence to her passion for students, Mrs.Dougherty is the quintessential teacher. She always has a well-rounded perspective, and gives people the benefit of the doubt. Her dedication knows no bounds, and her grace and charisma are truly inspiring.

Mrs.Dougherty has helped the lives of so many students and continues to everyday. All would agree. ODA would not be the school it is today without her. We love you,  Mrs.Dougherty!