Theatre named after Erin DHS teacher
June 21, 2018
ERIN, Ontario – On June 15, Erin District High School honoured retiring drama teacher Stephen Sherry by naming the Centre 2000 stage after him.
Erin DHS Principal Stephen Gayfer contributed the following story about Sherry.
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Stephen Sherry has been a drama teacher at Erin District High School since 1998. Steve began his teaching career in 1985 in Scarborough and then later worked at the Peel District School Board at The Woodlands School (Sept. 1985-June 86). He continued [teaching] from 1986-1988 at WJ Fenton in Brampton and Applewood Heights Secondary School in Mississauga from 1988-1997.
During his 33-year career, Steve has had an incredible impact on his students, colleagues and community members through his caring and thoughtful approach to teaching and learning. Steve has given so much to his community through his award winning teaching, his Drama in the Community Program, MAD interdisciplinary arts program, children’s summer theatre program as well as the long list of productions presented at the school under his leadership.
Steve has invested his time each year at EDHS’ Grade 9 Camp as a program developer and leader aiming to teach new students the importance of respect, rights and responsibility through drama-based activities.
He has generously contributed to school programs and events by means of donating the proceeds from theatre shows, while also providing performance opportunities for young artists through special events and assemblies. He coaches the school’s improv team, helps to develop young creative talent in the annual National Theatre School Festival (previously the Sears Drama Festival), and directs and produces large-scale productions and musicals that often involve a large percentage of the EDHS population. Steve has also organized many theatre trips, including international trips, to places such as Paris, London and New York, helping to provide students with enrichment opportunities in the arts.
Most importantly, however, Steve’s compassion and caring demeanour has provided thousands of students with a safe haven and home in the drama department. He believes in developing the whole student and seeing the potential in each and every person who comes into his classroom. Steve has helped students develop a passion for the arts because of his extensive knowledge and passion himself, but also because of the community that he builds each year on his stage. It is for these reasons that Erin District High School, the Upper Grand District School Board and Town of Erin are thrilled to name the Centre 2000 Stage in honour of the person who has made the stage so much more than just a theatre: “The Stephen Sherry Performing Arts Centre.”
Thank you Steve Sherry for the amazing lessons you have taught us all and congratulations on a well-deserved retirement!
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