Meredith Sullivan Boyan, Beloved Teacher, Dies of Cancer at 38
The Mountain Lakes School District community is grieving the loss of two beloved teachers who passed away on the same day last week. Meredith Sullivan Boyan, a teacher and longtime band director at the high school, lost her long battle with breast cancer on Thursday at the age of 38, her husband George Boyan confirmed.
Memorial Scholarship Established in Her Honor
A memorial scholarship fund in her honor has been set up through an online GoFundMe campaign. “It’s shocking for us,” district Superintendent Michael Featherman said in an interview. “We knew she was having some difficulties but we didn’t realize how significant those difficulties were. She persevered through it all and finished the school year.
Poured Her Energy into Teaching Until the End
She poured all of her energy, enthusiasm and dedication into her work right up until the very last day of school.”
Suzanne Nyman, 59, who passed away the same day as Boyan, had been with the district for 23 years total, most recently as an administrative assistant and paraprofessional at Wildwood School.
Key Role Connecting With Students
According to Featherman, she played a crucial role with the Time to Soar before- and after-school program at Wildwood, connecting with students from kindergarten through fifth grade. “Suzanne was really the anchor for Time to Soar and was known by so many of the kids because of the roles she played in the office and in the program,” Featherman said.
Students Will Feel Her Absence
“There is no question we will miss her. And I have no doubt that her absence will be felt when the children return in a few weeks. We will be there to support them in the best ways we can.”
A Sad Time For the District
“It’s just a very sad time for all of us here,” Featherman added. Counselors and social workers will be available to provide support for students and staff members grieving the sudden losses. Though school is out for summer, the district is encouraging those affected to utilize available resources.
Honoring Her Memory
To honor Boyan's memory, the high school band program will establish the Meredith Sullivan Boyan Memorial Music Scholarship Fund. Donations will provide financial assistance to college-bound band students. Boyan was committed to helping students pursue music education.
Leaving a Lasting Legacy
A musician herself, Boyan helped grow the high school's band program over 16 years as director. Her former students describe her as kind, passionate and inspirational. Her legacy will live on through both the scholarship fund and the many lives she impacted.
Reflecting on Dedicated Service
Nyman will also be remembered for her dedicated service to Wildwood students and families. As the Time to Soar coordinator, she went above and beyond to support children before and after school each day. Her caring presence will be greatly missed.
Processing the Difficult News
The district recognizes these losses are difficult to process, especially coming suddenly and at the close of the school year. Support resources will continue to be provided as needed. Boyan and Nyman clearly touched many lives through their work.
Looking Ahead With Resilience
Though grieving this unexpected tragedy, the district remains committed to its mission and vision. Featherman expressed confidence in the community's resilience as it moves forward while honoring the legacies of these two beloved teachers. Their influences will live on in the students whose lives they enriched.
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