Community Pays Tribute to Former Head Susanna A. Jones

Following the unexpected passing of former Head of SchoolSusanna A. Jones, the community fondly remembers her leadership, empathy and passion for girls' education.

Upper school science and math teacher Hannah Krug felt “lucky... to [have spent] 10 years working under [Jones].” Krug shared a favorite memory of an interview with Jones about her “educational philosophy” and said that the conversation “informed so much of what [Krug does] now, especially [her] emphasis on community in the classroom.”

Krug also remembered Jones’ commitment to practicing gratitude and said, “On our last day of her final year, I thanked her for her leadership and for taking a chance on a new teacher when she hired me, but in response, she expressed gratitude for me.” Krug attempts to implement these lessons in gratitude in her own life.

Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Sherry Wells remembered Jones as “a huge advocate of women in leadership” and said that she “always encouraged [Wells] to pursue leadership opportunities and gave [her] great advice about valuing [her] worth.”

Upper school English teacher Melinda Salata reflected on Jones’ legacy by saying, “Ms. Jones had a wonderful sense of fairness and justice and an even more wonderful smile when she cracked up over a good joke.”

When reflecting on the “amazing SAJ,” History and Social Sciences Department Chair Louisa Nill identified "her fierce leadership, her incredible generosity of spirit, and the fact that she would have done absolutely anything for one of the teachers in this building.”

Reflecting upon conversations with Jones, Director of College Counseling Suzanne Carter remarked that “[Jones] asked questions, listened intently and always added thoughtful and often highly entertaining responses. She was usually the smartest person in the room but never acted that way!”

Athletic Director Graham Westerberg recalled Jones’ “unwavering commitment to Holton and to the students she served.” He admired her “rare ability to connect deeply with people while maintaining high standards and genuine care.” Westerberg is “deeply grateful for her example, the warmth she brought to our community and the opportunities she gave me personally.”

Upper School art teacher Ben Ferry shared that Jones "offered [him his] position here at our beloved Holton-Arms the day before [his] wedding.” Ferry attributed the school’s “big family” culture to Jones’ “legacy of trust” in community members. He said he will “always be grateful” for Jones’ belief in him.

Security guard Dave Hawkins reflected on Jones’ leadership and noted that she made an effort to “greet the parents and... students as they [entered] the building.” He remembered her "commitment" to student life and offered his condolences to her family.

Third grade teacher Eileen Shelton said that Jones’ “deep focus on gratitude... inspired [her] family to keep a gratitude journal.”

Head of School Penny B. Evins noted that “one of the things [she] learned from [Jones] was to ask colleagues what they needed and to be partners with them.” She was inspired by Jones’ “sense of collegiality...across the sector of independent schools and the way in which she would elevate conversations to be about more than one’s own environment.”

Evins noted that she and Jones both considered it important to take "time to... be grateful for the many blessings that we have.” Evins noted that she was “deeply touched by [Jones’] generosity of spirit” and admired the ways in which “she breathed life into this school in ways that we probably don’t even know about.”

Evins expressed gratitude for Jones’ leadership “through so many different periods in our world, whether it was the introduction of tech...or through a pandemic.” She also applauded Jones’ efforts to “[hire] amazing educators..., develop the Board of Trustees..., and [reconnect] alumnae with the school.” Evins mentioned that her own work “benefits from the resourcefulness that [Jones] had and the vision that she had for the school.”

Evins reflected that the last time she saw Jones was this past summer at a conference, where they had a conversation about Jones' new career. Evins remembered Jones saying, “I love what I’m doing so much; I adore it” in reference to the work she did in executive coaching after retiring as head of school.

Evins expressed “gratitude for the fact that [she] had the opportunity to ask her that question and see how fulfilled she was.”

Students also offered their condolences and reflected on Jones’ impact on the community.

Maggie Shelton ’26, noting that Jones was “genuinely so amazing,” remembered Jones’ effort to “come to every school event, no matter how busy she must have been.” M. Shelton attended Jones’ memorial service and said that “it was really powerful to see all the people, both inside and outside of the Holton community, who had come to be present for her the way

she’d always been present for us.”

Kara Lever ’26 also “will never forget seeing Mrs. Jones’ face in the audience of every Holton event, no matter how small.” She recalled Jones’ advocacy for “students with learning differences” and is “forever grateful for her commitment to supporting every individual at Holton.”

Chelsie Cross ’26 remembered Jones’ commitment to gratitude and said that she “wrote Ms. Jones a thank you letter when she left because of the legacy that she’s left on [Cross] and

undoubtedly left on other students.”