TA News

The Boston Red Sox recently recognized retired TA educator, Ted Peters ’63, as Most Valuable Educator for the month of April. The recognition, held in a pregame ceremony at Fenway Park, was organized by Ted’s daughter Mary Lou Jones to coincide with his 80th birthday. In her nomination, which was read on the field, Mary Lou wrote: “Ted Peters has lived all of his life so far in Thetford, VT and graduated from Thetford Academy in 1963. He began his career as a Physical Education and Health educator at Thetford Academy in 1967 after graduating from Springfield College.”

She shared that Ted then taught, coached, and led at TA for 34 years, serving as Athletic Director for 25 years, and holding the positions of Dean of Students, Director of Student Activities, Director of Buildings and Grounds, and Director of Operations over the course of his career. Mary Lou spoke about her father’s dedication to students, and his commitment to ensuring that all Thetford Academy students had access to high-quality athletic and enrichment opportunities. A firm believer in traditions, Ted was also (and continues to be!) a booster of TA traditions like Mountain Day and Founders’ Day.

When asked about his time at TA, Ted spoke with pride about his family’s history here. Between his parents, Bill and Polly Peters, and his own tenure, the Peters family worked at TA for 60 years, from 1941-2001. While at TA, Ted coordinated expansion and upgrades to the school’s athletic fields and renovations of its buildings and grounds. He was recognized by the Vermont Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports with the Ray Sparks Professional Award, by the Vermont Athletic Director’s Association for promoting excellence and fairness in sports, and the Vermont Principals Association for his outstanding contributions.

As for the Red Sox and Fenway Park, they, too, have a place in Thetford Academy history, having served as a destination for many “Project Day” trips with students. During Ted’s tenure, Project Day was an annual event in which faculty led day-trips to destinations across New England. As a lifelong Red Sox fan, Ted was always happy to lead a bus trip to attend a game with students. Today, Ted is 23 years retired, will be celebrating his 58th wedding anniversary to his wife Judy ’64 in June, and is proud of his four children and five grandchildren.

Thetford Academy remains very much in his heart, especially its community spirit. “I realize that the success of Thetford Academy past and present cannot be achieved without the support of TA students and their families, the faculty, administration, trustees, and community working as a team.” Congratulations Ted Peters, Most Valued Educator – and go Sox!