Boadi, Girard and Marx Asch Replace Outgoing Senior DC Faculty Members

Math instructor Stephanie Girard, religion instructor Rabbi Jennifer Marx Asch and history instructor Kwasi Boadi have been selected to replace senior Discipline Committee members, economics and history instructor Giorgio Secondi, classics instructor Paul Langford and English instructor Becky Moore.The new faculty committee members were nominated and selected through an all-faculty vote last spring. The trio recently attended a training meeting last Thursday, which, according to Girard, was full of many “rich conversations.”“I think it is a very big responsibility,” Asch said. “I know it is a lot of work and some sessions can go very late, and if things don't go well it can be a very upsetting situation for the students. But I appreciate the respect of being asked and I take the job very seriously. I feel like contributing to the community, and keeping it safe and functional is time well spent.”Science instructor Scott Saltman said that Marx Asch will bring her deep insights into the minds of adolescents to the position.“She knows and understands teenagers very well because of her personality, training, and experience. I think she will be a great fit for her role because she listens wells, understands that people make mistakes, and understands the disciplinary process well,” Saltman said.Senior Benj Cohen echoed Saltman’s sentiments. “Rabbi will be a great member of the committee because she brings a balanced perspective and truly cares about all the kids here. She will easily be able to see the personal struggles of the students who are getting in trouble. She is very empathetic so she will be able to approach a case in a fashion that is not binary,” he said.After a year with exceptionally few disciplinary cases, the new and old members of the current disciplinary committee hope that the Academy will continue to have years with few disciplinary cases.“I look forward to a very quiet three years,” Girard said. “I hope that the students look out for one another, and help each other make healthy decisions, both socially and academically.”

Math instructor Joe Wolfson commented on Girard’s qualifications for the position. “She is really fond of students and always open to others opinions. I think she will serve well on the committee because of these two traits. She also won't be afraid to speak up in front of a large group of people and will be unbiased in her decisions,” he said.Senior Tim Wongvibulsin agreed, citing his experience as one of her students.“When I had Ms. Girard as a teacher, she always willing to listen to anyone talking at the table, never showing signs of disinterest when someone was talking. I think this can be a useful trait for the discipline committee because a good listener is more likely to make intelligent decisions, even in tough situations,” Wongvibulsin said.Senior Robert Conner believed that Boadi will serve as a source of impartiality and wisdom in the committee. “There is no doubt that he would be more than qualified to make impartial decisions. He also cares deeply about students and about student's intentions and values,” he said. “I know that his values and his experience will serve the committee in a positive way for everyone.”