By Paige Galloway Hammond

GALWAY–This new school year has brought a lot of changes to Galway, specifically in the administration. Mrs. Donovan has answered some questions to help the students know her and the policies that she will uphold.

Before arriving at Galway High School, Mrs. Donovan worked at the Fort Edward Union Free School District for the past 11 years. Her roles there included Physical Education teacher, Assistant Principal, Dean of Students and Athletic Director. When asked how she has been finding Galway she replied, “The students and staff at Galway have been extremely welcoming. The students are friendly, polite and very personable. Everyone seems willing to work together to explore new opportunities, conquer new challenges and make lifetime memories.  I am very excited about the discussions I’ve had with students on ways to promote Eagle Pride and School Spirit.  I am positive this is going to be a great year at Galway and I am happy and proud to be here.”

Students are wondering why cell phones cannot be utilized during lunch and before school. Before Mrs. Donovan explained this policy she wanted to, “thank all of the students for their cooperation. Galway students have demonstrated great respect and responsibility and many, many people have noticed”. As for the policy, it is impossible for the school to monitor the information that is going through the cell phones. Inappropriate material has been reported in other schools and a supervisor cannot check each individual device. She also believes, “that we are losing the art of conversation as we are all behind screens.  Lunch is 30 minutes, what a great time to talk to your friends or make some new ones!” As it has been heard before, the administration, have not added or changed any policies; they have only enforced them more.

The next question focused on the actual plan for Homecoming. There are many rumors about what our Homecoming this year will include. This was her answer, “Homecoming is one of the most important events of the school year.  It is time to welcome back our alumni and honor our seniors.  This year I will work with the Student Senate to make sure that Galway has a Homecoming to be proud of.  Our athletic schedule has been adjusted so that volleyball, boys and girls soccer will play home and cross country will be back in time for Homecoming.  Girls’ soccer and volleyball will play about 4pm and then we will all meet to honor seniors and their parents under the lights.  Yes, with the help of our Booster Club – lights on the Galway soccer field!  The boys’ soccer team will then play.  We have brainstormed dozens of other activities including fireworks, which are cost prohibitive and may burn up the pine trees!  Athletic events will be held on Oct. 19th and the dance will be on Oct. 20th.  If you have ideas for Homecoming please share them with members of the Student Senate.  Students are on notice – we will have a great Homecoming!”

The final questions asked Mrs. Donovan to share with the people of Galway about herself and about anything else she would like to say. “I love US History!  We live in an area so rich in Revolutionary War history and I can’t get enough.  When I did not work summers, I volunteered at the Stillwater Blockhouse and was a member of the 13th Regiment.  I was a camp follower.  My character lost her husband in the war and followed the troops cooking, cleaning and mending clothes.  I live in an octagon house that was built in 1851 and often reflect on the Civil War.  This summer I read My Name is Mary Sutter, a book about a woman who lived in Albany, NY who tried to get into medical school and was denied.  She eventually went to Washington during the Civil War as a nurse, but quickly through necessity, acted as a doctor.  When reading the book I could almost smell how bad it was in Washington and hear the screams of war. Can you imagine getting through that time as a nation?  I met a fabulous Lincoln impersonator and am determined to invite him to my home to speak with the Stillwater Historical Society.” She would also like the students to know that she cares and wishes great things for all of us and that it is her honor and pleasure to work with Galway students. Go Eagles!

Welcome to Galway Mrs. Donovan, and students make sure you share your homecoming ideas!