It’s no secret that the teachers at Wilmington Friends School are talented in many ways beyond the subjects they teach. WFS staff is comprised of mountain climbers, Aikido masters, motorcyclists, mara- thon runners, and more. With so much talent and skill in the faculty, students might wonder which of their teachers might be the best survivalist. What better way to ask that question to a community full of high school students than, “Which teacher would be most successful in the Hunger Games?”
To answer this ques- tion, a poll was sent out to the upper school community, and interviews were conducted with the teachers to uncover the answer. After careful analysis, it became clear that there was only one clear answer to this exciting question.
First, we should es- tablish what it takes to win the Hunger Games. Though some claim physical strength is the most important for success in the Hunger Games, others beg to differ.
Dr. Dagold, a 10th grade English teacher who has led an adventurous life crossing the country by motorcycle, says, “To be successful in the Hunger Games, you need to know who to trust, and most of all, be willing to do anything.”
When asked who she thinks would win the Hunger Games, library media specialist Mary Woodward says, “Sarah Woodward. She’s fierce, smart, can make connections, but can also do what needs to be done.”
Ana Niiler ‘28, who is a current member of the fresh- man class, agrees. She says, “Ms. Woodward has a lot of knowl- edge on the human body and science in general.”
When asked who she thinks would win the Hunger Games, library media specialist Mary Woodward says, “Sarah Woodward. She’s fierce, smart, can make connections, but can also do what needs to be done”.
Ana Niiler ‘28, who is a current member of the freshman class, agrees. She says, “Ms. Woodward has a lot of knowledge on the human body and science in general.”
Mary Robertson is an upper school art teacher with a creative and resourceful mind. When asked her opinion about which teacher would come out on top, she stated, “Ms. Miller. She’s strong-willed. She does her own thing and does what she thinks is right. Plus, she has sur- vived traveling in Europe with a bunch of students, which is no small task. But most of all, she likes to win”. Physical abilities aren’t the only aspects that matter to students and faculty, but mental capability as well.
Even though physical strength might not be the defining factor of victory, it sure doesn’t hurt, according to students. Decker Reitemeyer ‘27 is a member of the sophomore class. He agreed with this sentiment, stating that he believes Mr. Childers would win the Hunger Games because, “He was a running-back and gets up at 4:30 am every morning to run”.
One anonymous 12th-grade student says they believe upper school History teacher Mr. Morton would be most successful, saying, “he has the strength and the mindset to win due to his football and wrestling back- ground”. Kayla Turman ‘26, a current member of the j junior class, agrees, saying, “He’s definitely the most resourceful.”
Henry Duckworth ‘28 is a member of the fresh men class who shared his take on the question. “Mr. Schropp is physically strong, is a good coach, and makes good decisions.” Duckworth went on to convey how he believes Mr. Schropp has both the mindset and the physi- cal ability to do well in the game.
Along with the poll sent out to students, the teachers themselves were also inter- viewed, and asked how they thought they would perform in the Hunger Games. Mrs. Kenney is a 9th grade English teacher who had a strong opinion regarding her own capabilities. “I can sit still and read without food or water for days. If I found a good spot, no one would find me,” says Kenney.
Dr. Dagold, the 10th grade English teacher, says “I know how to make a fire. When I moved from the East Coast to Seattle, Washington on my motorcycle, I camped the whole way in the wilderness”. Clearly, there is more to our teachers than what we see in the classroom, judging by these fascinating responses.
Now for the big question. After all the polls, interviews, and data collection, which teacher is most likely to win the Hunger Games?
In third place, upper school dean of students Mrs. Miller wins the bronze medal. The general consensus among teachers and students was that her persistent atti- tude and ability to problem solve efficiently and effectively would bring her the title. One WFS student says, “I think Mrs. Miller would win mainly because she’s a strategic thinker”.
The teacher who came in second place was upper school History teacher, Mr. Childers. When asked his opinion on why he was so highly ranked in the polls, he responded, “I do wake up at 4:30 am every morning. I have completed and finished 100 and 50-mile races, Ultra marathon distance, and I did play football in high school.” He then went on to say “Maybe students think I’d be successful because of my no-nonsense demeanor in class.”
In first place, the projected winner of the Hun- ger Games is upper school History teacher, Mr. Schropp! According to student responses, Mr. Schropp would be the most successful due to his coaching experience. Many students claim that he is a talented planner, and that his football coaching experience must have taught him how to keep a calm mind under pressure; each of these reasons making him most likely to win the game.
The personal talent present among WFS staff is rarely showcased firsthand. Not only are students lucky enough to learn from these people through formal instruction, but if they pay extra attention, students might be able to learn a lesson or two to help them in the real world.
