In Remembrance of Hanover Educator Ann Coates 4/10/24
Hanover Public Schools beloved friend and colleague, Ann Coates, has slipped from life on earth and embarked on a peaceful forever after a long and heroic battle with unimaginable medical challenges. As we mourn her passing, let us keep her husband Scott, her children Sophie and Andrew, her parents and siblings, and of her family and friends in our hearts and prayers. On behalf of a grateful learning community, we thank the Coates and Fischer families for sharing Ann with all of us.
With fondness and gratitude, Ann’s legacy as a leader, mentor, and role model for her colleagues past and present will carry on in all of us. Her compassion, expertise, commitment, and inspiration has touched generations of Hanover students for the past quarter century. Ann was both gentle and strong. She was serious in her craft and playful in spirit. She loved being a teacher - but always understood her priority was her family. As I shared with some of you earlier, her passing on a day of a full solar eclipse cannot be coincidence - Ann burned bright and she was always visible in her leadership and love for her students.
Ann was an amazing educator and person, and she leaves the world a better place than when she arrived. At the end of our lives, we are measured by the hearts we touched, the minds we encouraged, the joy we shared, and the love we bestowed upon others. Ann met these measures in ways large and small, silent and loud, and always with grace and acceptance. May Ann rest in peace and her time on earth make us all better for having shared the journey with her - albeit far too brief.
Teacher’s Prayer
Heavenly Father, enable me to teach wisdom, for I help shape the mind.
Equip me to teach with truth, for I help shape the conscience.
Encourage me to teach with vision, for I help to shape the future.
Empower me to teach with love, for I help to shape the world.
Amen.
With Sympathy and Respect,
Matt Ferron
Superintendent