Jennifer Farnham brought the best out of everyone around her. Known as Ms. Jenn in the Lower School, she was a selfless person who meant the world to her students and colleagues. Ask any of the children who have spent time in her classroom, and they can attest to the fact that she made learning fun.

One of her students recalled struggling in math before joining Ms. Jenn’s after-school math classes: “As soon as I joined Ms. Jenn’s class, everything changed. Her voracious passion for not only the subject but teaching im- printed on me. She is the reason why math soon became my favorite class,” they said.

Eleven-year teaching partner and dear friend Alisa Grewe also described Ms. Jenn’s boundless passion for making students feel that they were a part of something greater than themselves. “She brought a genuine positive spirit, a sincere belief in her students’ abilities, a strong determination to make everyone feel as if they belonged, and the knowledge that relationships and community were the foundation of student growth to her work,” Grewe said.

Farnham joined the SPA community in 1998 and quickly assumed a leading role within the school. She believed in equal opportunity and advocated for a learning environment that allowed all of her students to grow as both learners and people.

Eliana Mann, a former student in 3/4D, recalled the Student of The Week presentations that allowed each student to bring their families to school and talk about themselves in front of the class: “Ms. Jenn had a way of making everyone feel seen and appreciated for the person they were,” Mann said.

During her sabbatical in 2016, Ms. Jenn used the time off to focus on culturally responsive teaching. After returning, she made it her mission to not just make every student feel like they were included, but that they belonged.

Beyond Ms. Jenn’s immeasurable influence at SPA, she was an adored mother, daughter, and sister, with the remarkable ability to spread endless joy and compassion.

In honor of her life and commitment to the school community and her family, the Jennifer Farnham Lower School Scholarship Fund will provide families with financial assistance. Even after Ms. Jenn’s passing, her legacy will continue to improve the lives of students.

Ms. Jenn believed in more than herself, and her trust in others will be greatly missed. As a testament to her 25-year teaching career, countless colleagues, loved ones and former students gathered at the Lumen Christi Catholic Church on Feb. 15 to mourn her passing and celebrate her life.

Written sincerely by one of Ms. Jenn’s students in a touching letter, their gratitude serves as a mouthpiece for the entire community: “Thank you, Ms. Jenn. You reached out to me. And you got me.”