This school year Savannah Arts Academy welcomes several new members of the teaching staff and school administration. In an effort to learn a little more about our new staff members, they answered several quick surveys about their personal life and career.

Mr. Taylor- Graphics and Photography

Hometown: Blackwood, New Jersey

Most recent movie seen: Battlestar Galactica: Caprica

Favorite musical artist: A Tribe Called Quest

My theme song:  Electric Relaxation by A Tribe Called Quest

Any pets? A dog, named Bruce, after Bruce Wayne (Batman)

What profession, other than yours, would you like to attempt?

Horticulturalist, I have always had a “green thumb” and I recently completed the first phase of building a greenhouse.

What brought you to Savannah Arts Academy?

My goal when I started teaching was to try and come to teach at Savannah Arts. I wanted to be able to apply my artistic and technical skills to an age group that would be able to grasp and handle a more advanced and complex skill set.

What interests you about SAA? What makes it different from other schools?

The artistic and academic atmosphere. The climate of the school is different everyone is focused and passionate about their goals in life.

Ms. Thayer- School Development Clerk

Hometown: Oakland, Maryland

Most recent movie seen: My Life in Ruins, it was cuteJ

Favorite musical artist: Vampire Weekend, The Yeah, Yeah, Yeahs, and Kings of Leon (sorry couldn’t pick just one…)

My theme song: Don’t Stop Believing by Journey

Any pets? My cat, Splunk

What profession, other than yours, would you like to attempt?

Think it would be fun to be a florist. Or a party planner.

What interests you about SAA? What makes it different from other schools?

I love how excited the students are to be in school, most high schools are like that. I love family environment, too.

What is the best thing about your job?

Being part of the SAA family.

Mr. Scott- Spanish

Hometown: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Favorite musical artist: Too many to name

My theme song: Never really thought of one

Any pets? 3 dogs, 2 cats

What profession, other than yours, would you like to attempt? 

Something in sports; announcer, statistician, etc.

What brought you to Savannah Arts Academy?

A lot of the students I taught in the honors program over the years have attended this school. I would read about the good things they accomplished and spoke to parents about the great things their children were doing at SAA. I thought this would be a great place to work. Then this past summer I heard about a potential opening here and I decided to apply for the position.

Where have you worked before SAA?

I have been teaching for SCCPSS schools for 15 years, the last 9 at DeRenne Middle school.

What are you most looking forward to this school year?

Seeing all the talents these students display.

Dr. Traylor- Assistant Principal

Hometown: Richmond Hill, Georgia

Most recent movie seen:  21

Favorite musical artist: Bruce Springsteen

My theme song: You Can’t Always Get What You Want by Rolling Stones

Any pets? Dog (Dudley) and cat (Sassy)

What profession, other than yours, would you like to attempt?

College Professor or College Athletics Director.

Where have you worked before SAA?

Bryan County High School, Richmond Hill High School, and Coastal Middle School

What are you most looking forward to this school year?

Getting to know everyone and experiencing the various student exhibits, shows, and athletic events.

What is the best thing about your job?

Spending each day with an intelligent, talented, and interesting group of students and faculty members.

Ms. Hendrix- Math

Hometown:  Statesboro, Georgia

Most recent movie seen:  Something about Steve

Favorite musical artist: Jeremy Camp and Nickelback

My theme song: I Can’t Drive 55

Any pets? Dog (Walton) and cat (Mercy)

What profession, other than yours, would you like to attempt?

I know it is a cliché but I have never wanted to be anything but a teacher.  I had the smartest bears in the neighborhood when I was growing up.  So the answer to this question is “I have NO CLUE.”

Where have you worked before SAA? 

I have worked at Windsor Forest High School and Jenkins High School here in Savannah.  I’ve also worked at Camden County High School.

What interests you about SAA? What makes it different from other schools? 

The draw to Savannah Arts was the reputation of the school and students.  The high expectations do result in students who can achieve at higher levels. The biggest difference I see is the wide range of talent in the school. 

We at Savannah Arts Academy welcome and look forward to working with the new members of our school staff and administration. We hope you’ll enjoy your time here.