On July 1, David Hursty joined the Swain community as our Interim Head of School. Today we learn a little more about the man who is leading us through the 2015-2016 school year (read his bio here).
You might be surprised to know he was an
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President of his local library board -
dedicating a new courtyard |
admittedly 'indifferent student' - no doubt exacerbated by his refusal to get glasses when he needed them. His learning was definitely influ-enced by his interest in a subject, and on several occasions he was able to put together a successful school year depending on what teachers he had. Like many, he didn't know what he wanted to do after high school but he liked history, so went off to college to study that.
Luckily he encountered the first of many significant mentors, one specifically who told him, "You can do more" and pointed him in the direction of grad school at George-town University. The 'indifferent student' went on to secure a Danforth scholarship and a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities, where he studied Scottish social philosopher and economist Adam Smith.
Mr. Hursty's most interesting gig - from among 'many good ones' - was his tenure on the faculty at The Mountain School in rural Vermont. Along with ten other faculty and 30 students, it was all hands on deck to run a 300 acre farm, including chopping a lot of wood for a New England winter. "It was so different from anything I've ever done or ever will do," he shared. "There was a real emotional connection to what you were learning."
In the 'hard to believe' category, he shares
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A snapshot from the family album: the Texas branch
of the Hursty family |
that his high school sweetheart - and now wife - Cyndy once did a stint working for the Director of the CIA. Post-CIA, the Hurstys worked together for 40 years in the same schools, with Mr. Hursty often serving as his wife's boss. "We had a real understanding of what each one did," he said, "and that made for an interesting partnership and marriage." Professionally Cyndy Hursty focused primarily on each school's development issues, although she has her degree in fine arts and is a talented fabric artist, quilter and potter.
Together the Hurstys have two children - a daughter who lives in Houston, TX, where she teaches first grade, and a son who resides in Auburn, ME and works at an auto dealership. The family also includes three grandchildren (ages 17, 12 and 11) and the Hurstys' dog Lily, a labradoodle.
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The Hursty brothers' golf outing
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Ask him about his other interests, and he'll admit to being a 'mediocre' golfer, but an avid lover of the water - lakes and oceans alike - where he boats, sails and swims. He and Cyndy had ample opportunity to indulge those interests for three years (2008-2010) when they embarked on a 30,000 mile trek around the United States.
They drove a 200 square foot 'tin can' (RV), pulling a car to use for side trips, and 'the marriage survived because there were two TV's in opposite ends of the RV'.
Among the many trip highlights was a stop in Marfa, TX - described by NPR as 'an unlikely art oasis in the desert'. According to Mr. Hursty, the town is 100 miles from anything else but includes everything from artist installations to UFO's. In his words: "It was beyond fascinating."
Yes, he's a fan - he used the words 'dyed in the wool New England fan' - to describe his love for the Patriots, Red Sox and Celtics.
A favorite childhood memory: he was about 14 years old, and had played hooky from school with his father to watch a Red Sox game from box seats. It turned out to be legend Ted Williams playing his last game, when his last 'at bat' produced a home run. "I can remember all the details of that day, even what the hot dogs smelled like," said Mr. Hursty.
Speaking of sports, he also has immense regard for 'high end' athletes. "Many subscribe to the 'dumb jock' theory," he shared. "But working at Bridgton Academy with Division I athletes, I saw first hand how hard they work and what they do to be that good - it was eye-opening."
Last words? Learning is a never-ending journey. Never a day goes by that I'm not learning something new. I can't fathom not doing that - life would not be so interesting.
Says the 'indifferent' student.
