Faculty Alum Friday: Sarah O’Connor Kirkpatrick, Class of 1989

BRHSF: Are you a parent of a current student or graduate?

SOK: Vivian Kirkpatrick, Class of 2022; Norah Kirkpatrick, will be here next year, Class of 2025.

BRHSF: How long have you work at Baton Rouge High School?

SOK: 20-21 school year is my 9th year here.

BRHSF: Why did you choose to work at BRHS?

SOK: I was excited at the opportunity to return to BRHS because of the supportive faculty and administration, as well as the high expectations for students.  I very much enjoyed my time in high school, so it was wonderful to return and hopefully to help others have positive experiences.

BRHSF: How did BRHS prepare you for college and/or your career?

SOK: Being a student at BRHS helped develop my study and time management skills. In particular, Mr. Barber instructed us specifically in what he found to be the best way to study, and taking his advice in college really paid off for me.  My time in the theatre department gave me confidence speaking up in classes and helped me to meet new people.

BRHSF: What activities were you involved in as a student at BRHS?

SOK: I was a theatre student all four years and participated in several shows each year, either on stage or behind the scenes.

BRHSF: What teachers or staff influenced you as a student at BRHS and how?

SOK: Mr. Thom Barber and Mrs. Sylvia Martinez were my two most influential teachers, and I was lucky to have them both multiple times in my time here.  Mr. Barber was a captivating and challenging teacher. It was my time in his class that helped lead me to earn a minor in philosophy at LSU. Mrs. Martinez helped create a community among the theatre students and shaped how I spent much of my extra-curricular time.  I use skills from theatre daily in my job as a teacher.

BRHSF: What is a fun fact, embarrassing moment, or funny story about yourself from high school or now?

SOK: I was kind of a clutz, and as a junior, I fractured my foot falling off of a black box stage.  Luckily, it was during class, not during a performance and was not that far of a fall.

BRHSF:  What advice would you give current students?

SOK: Get involved in activities at school. It will help you to make friends, give you a sense of fun and purpose, and actually help you to learn to manage your time. Also, do the homework the day it is assigned if at all possible. Otherwise, you will get swamped!