Academy of the Pacific Trustees Name New Head of School
HONOLULU ( February 18, 2004 )— The Board of Trustees of Academy of the Pacific (AOP) has named Mollie Sperry as its new head of school. Sperry will succeed Dr. Dorothy Douthit, who is retiring on June 30 after almost three decades of service and leadership. Currently lower school principal at Le Jardin Windward Academy, Sperry will take over leadership of AOP on July 1.
Ed Pei, chairman of the AOP Board of Trustees, said, “When Dr. D. announced her retirement, the Board spent considerable time pondering how to replace this great lady. We believe Ms. Sperry is a most capable successor and we look forward to AOP's continued success under her leadership.”
In addition to her education philosophy and vision, Pei cited Sperry's experience with “differentiated education,” AOP's main teaching style that lets the students learn at their own pace, with a customized education fitting the aptitude and developmental stage of each child.
Dr. Douthit played a key role in the selection process and was instrumental in convincing Sperry to apply for the position. She said, “I am very happy to turn the leadership of the school over to Mollie. She has vowed to maintain the mission of the school with no drastic changes. She has the personality to lead the AOP Ohana, and the passion for helping our students to develop into responsible and contributing members of society.” Douthit added that Sperry's knowledge of AOP is also personal—three of her brothers-in-law are AOP alumni.
Sperry herself commented, “I am looking forward to working in a school that is so in line with my own education philosophies. AOP's ‘differentiated education' strategy sets it apart from bigger schools. It provides an optimal environment for children to use their strengths to meet their challenges. As for replacing Dr. Douthit, those are some glorious big shoes to fill. I am awestruck by her accomplishments—she made AOP what it is today. I'm excited to carry on what she's started.”
Sperry's education experience is extensive. Prior to joining Le Jardin as dean of faculty and students (K-8) in 1995, she spent 10 years in various positions at Hawaii Preparatory Academy . She also worked at Waimea Elementary and Intermediate School from 1979-1983, was a 3 rd grade teacher at Punahou School from 1970-1975, and was a first grade teacher at Orchard Hill Elementary School in Connecticut .
Sperry is a member of Delta Kappa Gamma, the professional educators society; is a local historian and published author; and has served as a Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) Accreditation Team Member. She holds a Masters in Education Administration from UH Manoa, an MS in Education (K-8) from the University of Connecticut , and a BA in Psychology from Bates College in Maine .
Accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges since 1978, AOP is a village for learning that provides a nurturing, personalized educational experience tailored to meet each student's needs.
