“Art is a universal language, and also a discipline which calls for close attention, leading to wonderment and contemplation.” – Cornelia Connelly
Cornelia Connelly placed major value on the arts as a space of learning. In a world where the arts are frequently overlooked, there is one person that comes to mind on the Mayfield Campus that contributes heavily to her students’ self expression and growth.
Maryanne Householder is the director and teacher of both theatre and technical theatre at Mayfield. Additionally, Householder started the archives of the arts at Mayfield, which include programs and posters signed by the cast from every show since her arrival. The creation of the arts archives not only preserves Mayfield’s creative history but also inspires current students to see their work as part of a larger legacy. Additionally, she has been vital in the creation of community in the arts department.
For example, before every show, she gathers the entirety of her cast and crew into a circle onstage. During this time, 5-10 people share positive affirmations with their cast, and, after some closing remarks, she has the entire cast step into the circle, effectively creating one giant group hug before a show.
However, Householder’s contributions are not limited to the performing arts. She has taken on the roles of advisor to Arts Council and the Love Against Hate Club at Mayfield. She also received recognition from the Student Justice Leadership Council for her support of JDEI at Mayfield during the 2023-2024 school year.
Householder is someone who offers constant support and love to her students, demonstrated by the close bonds she has built with them. Moreover, her impact on the community is clear when speaking to the students whom she mentors.
“I heard stories of people having that one teacher that they could go to for anything or that has made their high school experience the most fulfilling,” said Ivy Barron, a senior who has worked with Householder throughout every year at Mayfield. Barron explains that Householder has contributed to her connection to the theatre program. “This was a place where I could thrive and be my authentic self, and I knew that it was because of the way Ms. Householder taught and supported me.” Ivy also highlights how Householder has supported her through every facet of her life, whether it be academic, artistic, or personal. She finishes off by explaining that she will take the dedication and heart-felt care Ms. Householder has shown her into her future beyond Mayfield.
Additionally, when asked, Abby Shaw, the dean of students at Mayfield Senior School, explains that when she thinks of Ms. Householder, she thinks of, “laughter. Ms. Householder’s dry, witty sense of humor makes me laugh till [she cries].” Householder is also someone who “cares deeply about this community. She is always willing to lend a hand with a set up, problem solve an out-of-sorts projector, and chaperone an event.” Shaw finishes by explaining how grateful she is to have the opportunity to be her colleague!
Householder has been known to spend countless hours on campus making sure that she gives everything her all as a way of, as she has said countless times, “giving her students, actors, and technicians the experiences they deserve for all the hard work they put in.” She has truly transformed Pike from simply an auditorium to a home for all students that pass through it. Additionally, Householder is someone who is known to volunteer for retreats, service days, and to chaperone off-campus activities as a way to stay active in the community.
By fostering creativity, confidence, and community at Mayfield, Ms. Householder continues to embody the values Cornelia Connelly built Mayfield on, one of which being the belief in the transformative power of the arts, which will leave an imprint that will last long after the final curtain falls. Additionally, by inspiring her students to pursue creativity, she truly embraces Connelly’s vision of a well-rounded education. She has put so much time, effort, and care into the Mayfield community and its students. She has always loved and supported them with all that she has, just like a true mama bear would.
Overall, Ms. Householder has been a positive light in the lives of all those around her as she impacts the arts and beyond in her community, leaving a legacy in her students.
