TA News

Culinary arts teacher Jennifer Gernhard was honored in June with the Peters Family Dedicated Employee Award, as she completed her 26th school year at Thetford Academy! When Head of School Carrie Brennan made the announcement during Class Day, the whole audience – led by the senior class in cap and gown – rose to a standing ovation to celebrate Jennifer and her service.

Initiated by TA educator and alum Ted Peters ‘63 in honor of his parents, the annual Dedicated Employee Award spotlights a Thetford Academy staff member for their deep commitment to nurture, support, and inspire students and the school community. Jennifer has certainly demonstrated her dedication during her tenure at TA, teaching all grade levels, serving on countless committees, embedding service learning in her curriculum, leading the founders day baking activities every year, and so much more! 

A current passion of Jennifer’s is being involved in developing TA’s farm-to-school program with her colleagues – bringing garden produce into the culinary classroom and student-prepared tastings into the café at lunch, and serving on TA’s farm-to-school grant team. She is also dedicated to her professional growth and models life-long learning by taking classes at places like the King Arthur Baking School and Culinary Institute of America. 

Jennifer landed at Thetford Academy as a part-time teacher in 1997 – and never left. When asked what has kept her committed and energized over the long haul, she shares with enthusiasm, “I just love the energy of the students! I enjoy supporting them with all of the projects and ideas that they have. The unique wonderful relationship you get to develop with students keeps me healthy and happy. And, of course, I love cooking and gardening and everything to do with the art and science of food, too!”

Colleague nominations for Jennifer spoke to her strengths as a person and as a teacher. A few excerpts of the many complimentary comments included: Jennifer instills in her students the importance of doing for others and contributing to the greater good … She is a very kind person … Jennifer is so involved at TA – but also flies under the radar … She helps take care of food insecurity in our community … Jennifer creates a warm and welcoming environment in her classroom and engages every student who walks through her door.

Jennifer and her husband live in Lyme, New Hampshire. Their three children graduated from Thetford Academy: Carolyn in 2004, David in 2006, and Adam in 2007.

Congratulations, Jennifer! We appreciate your dedication and service.