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| Above: Deb (seated with Santa) and the cast of Elf! The Musical, on stage at Waterford District High School April 28, 29 and 30. |
National Volunteer Week Feature
MONDAY, APR. 25, 2022
Volunteers bring a wealth of varied and diverse experiences to enhance student learning, well-being and belonging in our school communities. They are role models and motivators, generous with their time and skills. To celebrate National Volunteer Week, we’re featuring a daily profile of one of the many volunteers making a difference in Grand Erie. Thank you to all our volunteers!
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| Deb McLoughlin. |
Volunteer Profile:
Deb McLoughlin
Volunteer role:
Designs, finds and makes costumes for yearly theatre productions at Waterford District High School.
How it started:
Prior to retiring in 2010, Deb enjoyed a long, dedicated career in education. She got her start as a music teacher in 1987, working at Hagersville Secondary School. She then moved on to become vice-principal and eventually principal at Delhi District Secondary school. From 2007-2010, she was the principal at Paris District High School, supporting its students and families before her next adventure: retirement. She’s volunteered at WDHS since 2011, with a not-by-choice break from musical theatre from 2020-21 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Why she does it:
"Music, theatre and sewing have always been strong interest areas for me. As a music teacher and then an administrator, I produced and directed musicals in the schools where I worked. When I retired, I started working on costuming for Waterford District High School, and have enjoyed myself immensely ever since! Working with students keeps me in touch with what’s happening in education, and reassures me that 'the kids are all right.'"
Learning, Leading and Inspiring:
"Extracurricular activities are what help the school experience come alive for many students. In a musical production, students can play a small or large role, find out how it feels to be on a stage, work with others to create a story through song, dance, drama and comedy, and be part of something that can’t be duplicated. Problem-solving skills, imagination and leadership qualities are all used, and ‘tick all the boxes’ for the development of well-rounded, resilient and creative individuals. Not to mention how much fun it is to be involved in something as unique and challenging as a theatre production!"