A Night to Remember

On Saturday, October 15, 2022, hundreds gathered to celebrate the one and only Debbie Blake Kerrick, who retired last year, and the dedication of the Performing Arts Center Theater in her name. In a show like no other, 41 alumni who spanned 30 years of DBK musicals came together for a trip back to their ninth-grade days onstage. During a very short 90-minute rehearsal earlier that day, something magical happened as alums—some of them now in their 40s!—worked together to put on a show of reprises. It was as if they had rehearsed for months. Entrances, exits, dances, solos—all flawless!

After the rehearsal most of the “actors” left to grab lunch, but others lingered to practice a solo to make sure it was going to reach the standard their teacher had always demanded. Everyone returned for the tech rehearsal and before they parted ways to head into the lobby where the program had begun, Brooke Pinto ’07, speaking for the entire group, told Ms. Kerrick that she meant the world to them and that they wanted to sing a song for her . . . but they needed her to play the piano—Hah! They broke out into “Freedom” by Teresa Jennings—every one of them knew every single word, it was a beautiful sight to watch. Music is powerful, especially coupled with a teacher like DBK. It was clear from what we got to witness that her lasting impact has been HUGE!

The clock struck 5 p.m. and the crowds filled the PAC lobby, stairs, and balcony to hear from three alumni. Debbie’s daughter, Courtney Smith ’14, kicked off the evening with beautiful words about her mom being the example for what good teaching looks like. Virginia Ogden ’11 then shared a poignant story about being seen, known, and loved. And Austin Cauldwell ’07 finished up with the perfect line: “Ms. Kerrick didn’t raise the bar, she rewrote what the bar even means.” Virginia and Austin flew all the way from California for the opportunity to tell Debbie how she changed their lives. Head of School Adam Rohdie and Eliot Spencer ’98 (who ran tech for every one of Debbie’s shows since his ninth-grade graduation, even through college!) then lowered the curtain to reveal the newly named Debbie Blake Kerrick Theater!

The actors then raced backstage and everyone took their seats. From the minute the lights dimmed until the confetti cannons went off to close the show, the audience clapped, cheered, cried, and grinned from ear to ear while alumni sang the songs of their youth. I’m not sure we’ll ever be able to top this night but everyone in the production agreed that we’re not waiting 30 years to do it again. So stay tuned. Alumni Talent Show 2027 is already in the works!