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SANDY — When Nancy Heuston founded the Waterford School more than 30 years ago, she quickly learned one thing that would follow her throughout her leadership in education.
"You always have to change," Heuston said. "Things always change."
But she didn't anticipate the rapid shifts in her elementary through high school private school would be largely fueled by challenges and change within families.
"Families are bombarded from outside and within," she said.
Economic struggles have more parents working longer hours and focusing more on providing for financial needs, along with providing for their children.
She also sees social shifts in parenting.
"From raising children and teaching responsibility and family values to accompanying them through childhood with the phrase, 'I am my daughter's/son's best friend,'" she added.
And then of course, Heuston has ushered in the Information Age, with technology and computers.
Her goal amid all those changes is to prepare students to live purposely.
Todd Winters
"They pick up on the things we say about living beyond yourself," she says. "We want them to give back thoughtfully and generously."
And as Waterford graduates received their diplomas recently, many reflected on the bittersweet milestone of being Heuston's last graduating class.
"I feel very honored to be going out with her," said Jesse Sindelar, a graduate. "One last hurrah right before she leaves and we leave as well."
One hundred percent of these students will go on to college. And the Washington Post recently named Waterford as Utah's most challenging high school.
Those are the legacies Heuston leaves behind as she adapts to the latest change, this time in her own life: "It has come full circle," she said. Deanie Wimmer anchors the KSL News and helps lead the Read Today program. Contact her at deanie.wimmer@ksl.com
