Head of School Twiladawn Perry addressed the graduating class of 2022 at Lyndon Institute’s commencement ceremony on Sunday, June 5th. It was her last event before her retirement after 32 years of service to the school, including 5 years as Lyndon Institute’s first female Head of School. “Like you, I will also be facing my own transition into retirement. For a number of years, I have been getting up and coming to work at Lyndon Institute. Much like you, I will need to find new routines and structures in my days,” said Perry.

Twila was a graduate of the Class of 1977 and went on to study engineering at Vermont Technical College and then psychology at Lyndon State College. It was during this time that Twila began shifting toward the world of education, pursuing graduate studies in the emerging field of special education at Southern New Hampshire University. After graduating and completing her student teaching, Twila worked as a special educator, first in Concord and then at North Country in Newport, Vermont.

In 1991, Twila returned to her alma mater as a special educator. Many of her former teachers now became her colleagues, and she enjoyed LI’s caring environment, particularly the support of then Headmaster Dwight Davis, who encouraged her to pursue leadership roles. By 2006, she had become the Director of Special Education before also becoming the concurrent Director of Technical Education in 2009.

In 2015, Twila became Assistant Head for Curriculum, a role that eventually helped prepare her for the transition to Head of School in 2017. Twila stepped in to right the ship, bringing a steady presence and a pragmatic knack for problem-solving, helping create an environment of stability and growth.

During her tenure as Head of School, Twila has endured a host of challenges, any one of which would have tested a normal Head – and has faced them with strength, grace, and character. She accepted this demanding leadership role at a time when Lyndon Institute needed her most and we are a better school for it. We congratulate her on a well-earned retirement and wish her a happy and prosperous future.

In her retirement, Twila plans to spend time with her husband, travel, visit their granddaughter, and enjoy a relaxing lifestyle at their home in Lyndon.

Photo Caption: Head of School, Twiladawn Perry addresses the graduating Class of 2022 during commencement on June 5th, 2022