The Resident Director lives at the Guilford ABC house and watches over the six ABC scholars like a devoted mother hen. Lynn Prendergast loves her job. She is constantly smiling when she speaks of “my girls.” During the day, Lynn is a full-time teacher of fifth-graders in Madison, a position she’s held for 31 years. After a full day of “hanging out with 10-year-olds, she “loves coming home to the Guilford teen scholars.”
Her enjoyment of teenagers began years ago. In addition to teaching full-time, she taught teenagers at a driving school after the school day ended. For three years she taught some 450 teens to drive. “Only two failed their driving test,” she reports proudly. Her delight with knowing teenagers grew during this experience. “Spending more than seven hours one-on-one driving with the teens was very interesting. They opened up and told me everything. They trusted me.”
So, when the Guilford ABC position as Resident Director opened up, Lynn knew she would love it. Her daughter had graduated from Guilford High School, and Lynn was ready for a new adventure with teens. “There was really no way to prepare,” she admitted, but the group grew into a cohesive little “family” through group activities she initiated. One unifying activity was creating a group Christmas card.
She is grateful for the amazingly hard work the Guilford ABC Board members contribute. “Because I’m at the center of the program, I see all the working parts including academics and student life. The Board members bring open hearts and minds, are generous and unselfish. They work many, many volunteer hours to support the ABC program,” she said.
From the beginning of her tenure, Lynn has felt that it is very important to make the parents of all the scholars feel comfortable “and trust me with their kids. After all, the students are leaving familiar locations, family, and friends,” she said.
Lynn glows as she speaks of her work. “This is a unique job. It’s an honor to be Resident Director. I love the program. Every year I am so proud of my girls!”