She's Got Fire

Nan Stearns is passionate about students at Souhegan High School, and now she has the opportunity to lend her voice as the newest member of Community Council.

Stearns was appointed as the newest Amherst representative on the council by the Souhegan School Board last week.

“My life experience is very different from those of others on the council,” said Stearns in an interview.

She first became involved with SHS through a reading program about four years ago, where she spent time with students discussing books they had read.

“I just loved. It was a chance to re-read some things I read years ago,” said Stearns, who was an English major. “I could discuss them with young people, which is a thrill to me.”

She added that she really felt connected with the kids, even with a difference in age.

“I didn’t feel so much the old lady, I felt welcomed,” said Stearns.

The Amherst resident then became involved in senior projects at the school, where she students work on everything from skateboarding to artificial limbs.

“They are so passionate, it is just fabulous,” she said.

When she heard about an opening on Community Council, Stearns was excited to become even more involved with the school. As a woman who traveled as an army wife for over 30 years, she said that she definitely has a different perspective on things.

She describes herself as a very outspoken person who isn’t afraid to stand up and speak out on issues she cares about. She is politically active as a democrat, spending much time and energy with the Women Making a Difference group.

However, her plan is to listen and learn about the council and the issues that affect the school before she really gets going.

“I think being a first year member, I am going to do a lot of listening, which is not my strong suit,” she said. “I simply need to get the lay of the land and see how things work.”