This month, Meet a Senior’s Anita Hickey has a conversation with Roger Brooks, retired principal of Beaver Meadow School. Dr Brooks spent 35 years as an educator in the Concord School District.
How did you select Concord as a community to reside in and begin your career in education?
After receiving my college degree I joined the U.S. Peace Corps as a volunteer in Borneo, Malaysia, where I met my wife Carol. After the Peace Corps, Carol and I were married and attended graduate school in New Hampshire. I received a job offer from Concord as an elementary school teacher, and I accepted the position teaching 28 students in a multi-age, grade one through four classroom.
How did you become interested in the arts?
When artists would visit our school, I noticed how the students had such a positive reaction. Participation in activities like Beaver Meadow’s Student Actors Program helped all students to build a good self-image. It taught them positive things about themselves that will shape their lives and prepare them for whatever they wish to do in their adult life.
Since retirement how are you involved in the arts?
I am chairman of the advisory board for the New Hampshire State Council on the Arts. I am a member of the nomination and education committee of the Capitol Center for the Arts; an adjudicator for the New Hampshire Theatre awards; a board member of RB Productions, a local community theater company, and a member of the advisory committee of Concord TV’s, “Art in Focus” show.
What are your hobbies and special interests?
Wine making is one of my hobbies. I also garden, and have just renewed my interest in bird watching. In my younger years I grew up in North Dakota and was fascinated by the migratory journey of the whooping crane. A few weeks ago I had the opportunity to spend time at the Necedah National Wildlife Refuge in Wisconsin.
How do feel about retirement?
Retirement allows you the freedom to do what ever you wish to! Although I loved my job, it was time to pursue something different. With so many interesting things to do I felt it was the right time to move on to new challenges!
