As the 2024-25 school year winds down, English Teacher David Wells and Theater Teacher Doug Eivers say goodbye to Pinewood.
The pair of indispensable teachers have made the decision to move on in less than a month, and they will be missed.
In his 17 years of teaching at Pinewood, Wells has had a profound effect on Pinewood students as writers, communicators, and people. Junior Zoe Detrick said she will miss his dedication.
“Mr. Wells is always willing to help students, whether he’s staying after school or spending some extra time during lunch with us,” Detrick said. “I really appreciate it because he was always there when I needed the help.”
While Wells has helped hundreds of Pinewood students improve their English skills, his mentorship reaches far beyond the classroom.
Senior Alakh Kapadia said Wells provided him and his classmates with invaluable life advice.
“We were sitting in class and, talking about relationships, and he asked our class, ‘what are the two words you can say to your partner to win any argument and equally frustrate them?’” Kapadia said. “After I guessed the words ‘I’m sorry,’ he said that the two words were ‘Yes, dear.’ Now, every time he has that conversation with his 10th grade class and I’m walking by, he calls me in to answer his question. It’s our running joke.”
Eivers has had a huge impact on his students throughout his 25 years at Pinewood, and he says he will miss it dearly.
“Pinewood is my family and community,” Eivers said. “I basically grew up here and met a bunch of amazing people who helped me develop professionally and personally.”
Eivers has too many memories to count from his decades teaching at the school.
“My highlights come from traveling internationally and watching students perform in some of the most beautiful places in the world,” Eivers said. “The Vatican was a very special trip for me because our students sang in St. Peter’s Basilica around New Year’s, and then the next morning listened to the Pope give his New Year’s Day message. Seeing so many people in the same place be passionate about something was an amazing experience.”
Eivers said he will miss everyone, especially the students.
“The department can do the minimum and still get paid, but we’re willing to go the extra mile and make performing arts the best we can for the students,” Eivers said. “I do this every day so they can get their shine and experience that feeling of accomplishment.”
Scott Riches, President and Head of Pinewood School, said that both of them will be missed.
“The Pinewood community will deeply miss Doug Eivers as he begins a new adventure in Texas and David Wells as he enjoys his next chapter in retirement,” Riches said. “These two have had a profound impact on our students for many years. We can’t thank them enough for all that they have done for the school.”
