Out-of-Door Academy teachers are extremely passionate and devoted to their students. They are known to work hard during regular school hours as well as exceed their jobs by offering extra help before and after school.

Although ODA teachers are number one in their specific subject, they clearly have a reason that they teach as well as they do.

Debby Frye, an advanced math teacher, grew up as a driven high school student. Her parents never had to push her because her motivation came from within. Outside of the classroom, Mrs. Frye was active in many social activities: not only did she participate in many clubs, but she was also part of the cheerleading team and held multiple leadership positions on student council.

Of course, high school is the time to find yourself. But sometimes, if you’re lucky, it is also the time to fall in love. Mrs. Frye did…with mathematics. Her sophomore year, she was taught by a young and energetic math teacher. The class inspired young Debby to find her passion. She had an appreciation for the subject which led her to join higher level math classes at a community college. Later on, she attended five different colleges, ultimately receiving her masters from Clemson.

Even though Ms. Frye states that there is nothing she would change about her high school experience, she invites you to “find what your favorite subject matter is and become passionate about it.”

Another successful math teacher at ODA had a similar high school experience. Math teacher, Ms. Bucci, was not only an outstanding student during her four years of high school, but also a film buff and photographer.

But Bucci took her success even further. She was a classic “triple threat.” She participated in volleyball, softball, and she was even a cox for the boys’ crew team, the one who calls out commands for the rowers. Her high school was an independent school a lot like ODA, though it had boarding options. Ms. Bucci’s experience at Pomfret School in Connecticut was a bit different from many of her classmates, however. She did not board there, unlike many of her friends, which led to her spending many weekends at the school.

Though Ms. Bucci did not realize that she would end up as a math teacher, she was interested in mathematics throughout her school years and imagined she would one day be an actuary, a profession that use statistics to evaluate risks for insurance companies.

After high school, Ms. Bucci went to Union College in Connecticut. She says that she absolutely loved the school but she suggests to current high school students to “research and tour more colleges.”

“I loved all of the schools that I applied to, but Union was the only one that I truly felt connected to. I do not regret my decision in attending Union, but I definitely would have liked a variety of options,” says Bucci.

Your teachers challenge you to find your passion and embrace the college search process. Most importantly, enjoy these four years of life as best as you can!