Ms. Leeanne Carr, Theodore Ryken Awardee for 2006-07, began her teaching career at St. Mary’s Academy in 1979 and became part of the merger between the Academy and Ryken High School in 1981 under Brother Matthew Burke. Ms. Carr continued her teaching at St. Mary’s Ryken until 1984, when she took time off to have her son, Blaine. In 2000, she returned to SMR and remains a valued member of the Social Studies Department today.
She is well-established in the St. Mary’s Ryken community – whether it be Mock Trial, the Equestrian club, digital photography, Boosters Club or tutoring after school, Mrs. Carr’s commitment to the students is immeasurable.
She has a devotion to her vocation as a Xaverian educator and is true to the model of Theodore Ryken. She credits the Brothers with changing her life in a positive way. Stated in her philosophy on her website is the following: “I subscribe to the Xaverian Brothers’ mission that embodies the values and morals I believe and strive to implement, and communicate that vision. I am a life-long learner…I believe teaching is an honorable and important profession. As an educator I have a political commitment, an educational commitment and a commitment to love and value each and every student.”
Ms. Carr received her BA from St. Mary’s College, her Master Degree from the College of Notre Dame, and has aspirations for a PhD. She resides on the St. Mary’s River with her dog Sender and her two horses. Ms. Carr’s two children, Mary Carrice and Blaine, are SMR graduates (2000 and 2002 respectively).