Meet the Board Monday: Sarah O’Connor Kirkpatrick, Class of 1989 and BRHS Faculty

Sarah Kirkpatrick was born in Baton Rouge, LA and graduated from BRHS in 1989. She attended LSU and earned a B.A. in English, Master of Ed. in Secondary Education, English and a Specialist degree in Gifted Education. She has taught English for 25 years, eight of which have been at BRHS, where she currently teaches AP Literature and Composition and two courses in the AP Capstone program: AP Seminar and AP Research. She is married to Devon Kirkpatrick and has two daughters, Vivian, a sophomore at BRHS, and Norah, a 7^th grader.

BRHSF:  Did you have a favorite teacher, club, sport or experience that made a long-term impact on you at BRHS?

SK: My two favorite teachers at BRHS were Ms. Sylvia Martinez and Mr. Thom Barber.  I was involved in drama for all four years and it was an essential part of my experience. The confidence I gained in theatre has been very influential and helped me especially as a new teacher.  My philosophy class with Mr. Barber inspired me to earn a minor in philosophy at LSU. He also taught me valuable study skills which I now share with my students.

BRHSF:  Why did you choose BRHS for your child (children) and describe briefly the significance of that choice.

SK: BRHS was an obvious choice for us. BRHS has been a home and a family for me for many years, and with my daughter here, that feeling is intensified.  I love knowing first hand that she is receiving a quality education, and it is nice to see her occasionally throughout the school day.  Having her here has also helped me to see a student’s perspective even more clearly.  She plays on the soccer team, so that has made me more tuned in to my student athletes and to BRHS sports overall. I am looking forward to having my younger daughter come to BRHS and for all three of us to be here together for one school year.

BRHSF:  What made you decide to join the BRHSF Board?

SK: I hope that as a graduate, a parent, and a teacher, I can provide a broad perspective on the needs and goals of the school. Serving on the board is a way that I can give back to the school that has been such an essential part of my life experience.

BRHSF:  Why is the Foundation’s mission of philanthropic support for BRHS important to you and to the community?

SK: As a classroom teacher, I have seen firsthand the impact that the board has made. My first few years of teaching I was impacted directly through the decision of the board to fund the Springboard program in English. This rigorous curriculum has a huge influence on preparing students for AP classes. The foundation is essential in providing opportunities for success that our students would not otherwise be able to access.

BRHSF:  As a Board member do you have any personal goals for your service? What do you see as your most important role as a Board member?

SK: My personal goal is to use my understanding and experience to help the Foundation expand its ability to reach parents and community members in order to continue their important work.

Fun Fact! I love to go antiquing and to estate sales when I have the time.