After 33 years of dedication to the education and enrichment of students in the Beachwood Schools, choir teacher Darlene Haight is retiring. 

Prior to teaching at Beachwood, Haight spent two years teaching general music at St. Gregory the Great.

Haight has enjoyed the freedom Beachwood has given her. 

“I appreciated having the opportunity to be creative, and having the support to integrate other subjects into my curriculum,” Haight said.

From drum circles, to documentary songwriting workshops, to STEM and drama lessons and social-emotional curriculum she created with learning specialist Adina Bloom, Haight has been innovative in her teaching.

Haight’s journey into teaching was inspired by her deep-rooted love for music, which came from growing up in a household where music was a central pillar of her family life. 

“My dad bought a new record every Friday, and we would always sing together,” Haight said.

Her passion for music was further ignited by her experiences as a student at Brunswick High School. She found inspiration from her choir director Frank Bianchi. 

“I always knew I wanted to be a music teacher,” Haight said.

Haight taught general music during her first 24 years before transitioning to choir for the last nine years of her career.

Haight has many valued memories from her teaching career. One of these memories was a recent gift from a student that deeply moved her.

“I just had a student give me a keychain that touched my heart,” Haight said. 

The keychain bears the message: “May You Be Proud of the Work You Do, the Person You Are, and the Difference You Make.” 

This sentiment encapsulates Haight’s ultimate goal in teaching: to make a meaningful difference in the lives of students.