Celebrating Patty Clark + Dawn Southworth
Together, Patty Clark and Dawn Southworth have led the arts at GUS with beauty, passion, and unwavering dedication.
In honor of their retirement at the end of this school year, please enjoy a short video tribute from members of the GUS community. Please also take a moment to share some kind words in honor of their incredible legacy at GUS, below.
Patty Clark, Lower School Music Teacher
In 19 years at GUS, Patty has reimagined the music program—from recorders to organs, and everything in between. Every year she helps third graders bring their study of the middle ages to life through their musical performances as part of Medieval Morning, and leads fourth graders on their journey through Songs and Tales of the Sea, as they experience the joy of learning the ukulele and singing sea shanties that bring their study of the sea to life every spring. Regardless of musical skill, every student under her guidance has learned to explore this art form with curiosity, courage, and joy.
Her talent is most visibly on display during signature events like Grandfriends Day and the Solstice Assembly, but any day walking past the music classroom is a treat—there’s always a melody in the air, and laughter mixed in with the learning. Patty’s commitment to fostering a love for music and musical expression, and the power of coming together as a community of musicians, will live on in the hundreds of students she has taught at GUS, and we are so thankful for her contributions to our school.
Dawn Southworth P ’04, Art Teacher
Dawn concludes her incredible journey at GUS with 30 years of devoted service. She has touched the lives of generations through her art instruction, her curation of both school galleries, and of course, her signature contribution—the White Shirt Project in 8th grade. The remarkable works of art created by GUS 8th graders year after year is a testament to the skill, the thoughtfulness, and the talent she has brought to our students and our community; her teaching has not only brought artistic skill and inspiration to your students, but in turn has inspired every person who sees their art hanging in our hallways, and views the White Shirt Projects on display every year in the Upper School gallery. Her commitment to utilizing our lower and upper school gallery spaces to showcase the work of artists is another layer of our art program in and of itself, building connections between GUS and the greater North Shore community and celebrating the talents of local artists.
Dawn’s work has brought color, perspective, and joy to our community. Through her creativity and commitment, she has not only led our visual arts program—she has transformed it. Her vibrant spirit is woven into the very fabric of GUS.