Dover honors longtime educator by dedicating the Jeffrey Leaf Theater

Foster's Daily Democrat
·4 min read

The September 2023 Dover School Board monthly meeting, which began with a moment of silence to honor the lives lost on 9/11, was packed. All seats were filled and a crowd stood in the back. Joyous energy filled the room as all anticipated the honor they were about to witness.

Newly retired Dover Middle School music teacher and drama club director, Jeffrey Leaf, was presented with a plaque by School Board member, Micaela Demeter, announcing the renaming of the former Renaissance Room at Dover Middle School to its new name “Jeffrey Leaf Theater”.

Jeff Leaf, seen in this photo leading his final production, Peter Pan The Musical, at Dover Middle School, was recently honored when the Renaissance Room at Dover Middle School was renamed “Jeffrey Leaf Theater”.
Jeff Leaf, seen in this photo leading his final production, Peter Pan The Musical, at Dover Middle School, was recently honored when the Renaissance Room at Dover Middle School was renamed “Jeffrey Leaf Theater”.

During Citizens’ Forum, a period during which Dover citizens may speak at the meeting, students and parents spoke about how deserving Leaf is of the honor. A sentiment spoken by Walter Faasen, parent of former DMS students and long-time set-building volunteer, stating that the honor “couldn’t be happening to a better person” was echoed by many. Faasen also spoke about the comradery of parents, whose kids graduated long ago, who would come back to help the magical productions orchestrated by Jeff Leaf.

Former student, Aidan Heagarty, shared how Leaf “made such a wonderful effort to connect with every student” and remarked at the difference it has made in his life. Current students shared how Leaf has helped them overcome their fears, helped them learn at their own pace, and the thought of having Leaf as a teacher motivated and made them excited to attend school. Jenifer Peterson, Leaf’s theater counterpart for 15 years, shared that he “is the teacher every student deserves” and that she hopes past students will become future teachers in the Jeffrey Leaf Theater who are able to say, “I had him [as my teacher]; I remember him.”

Former student, Steffany Gallant, spoke and thanked the School Board for their efforts in pursuing the renaming of the performing arts room to the Jeffrey Leaf Theater upon making her request to the Board earlier this year. Gallant spoke of when she learned of Leaf’s retirement and how at first all she could think about was how future Dover students would not get to have Jeffrey Leaf as their teacher. Gallant was the Stage Manager for Leaf's first six productions from when she was in middle school until she graduated Dover High School, and she came back every year to volunteer when she could and to watch every show. With Leaf making a difference in her life, Steffany wished to find a way to thank him for all he has done for her and the overall Dover community and proposed the dedication to Superintendent William Harbron, Principal Kim Lyndes, and School Board representative Maggie Fogarty. Gallant likes to say that Leaf had a way of “turning shy kids into shinning stars.”

Leaf’s kind, generous, and caring demeanor made an incredible impact in the lives of thousands of Dover students and countless families and parent volunteers. During the presentation of the plaque, School Board member, Demeter, remarked how dearly beloved Jeff Leaf is by many people in the Dover community. “The gifts he has given his students will last a lifetime; gifts like the confidence to pursue scary goals, pride in a job well done, the ability work cohesively within a group, the dedication to put your all into a project, and so many more important life skills.” She continued how Leaf and Peterson “created a warm, welcoming, safe space for drama students to develop their skills and build community.”

Upon expressing his gratitude for the honor and humbly sharing the credit with his students, the parents, and Peterson, Leaf shared that if given the option of having Madison Square Garden named after him or that specific room at Dover Middle School, he would choose DMS a thousand times over.

The plaque, which will be mounted at Dover Middle School’s Jeffrey Leaf Theater, reads:

Jeffrey Leaf Theater

Dedicated Sept. 11, 2023

In honor of his extensive contributions to Dover Middle School’s students, families, and the Dover community in general, this Performing Arts Room is dedicated in honor of Jeffrey Leaf.

Woodman Park School Music Teacher: 1998-2000

Garrison Elementary School Music Teacher: 2000-2007

Dover Middle School Music Teacher: 2007-2023

Dover Middle School Drama Club Director: 2008-2023

Greater Dover Chamber of Commerce Educator of the Year: 2019

Jeff, assisted by the extraordinary Jenifer Peterson, was the heart, soul, and creative brains behind the DMS Drama Club for 15 years. The care he had for every one of his students was evident by the thousands of hours he spent in this room rehearsing with all the casts. During his tenure, he made hundreds of students feel seen, included and a part of something special.

Through his patient, understanding, and kind-hearted attitude, Jeff brought out talents in his students that they never knew they had. He stretched their minds in directions they never thought possible. His vision brought audiences to their feet time and time again.

We’ve all been changed for good.

This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: Dover honors longtime educator by dedicating the Jeffrey Leaf Theater