Departing Faculty Describe Their Fondest Riverdale Memories

Riverdale Review: What is a moment that you will never forget from your years of teaching?

Ms. Diana Swartz: My very first year I had a new student who is a senior now, his name is Charlie Schuman. He was really nervous because he was new. I said: “don’t worry Charlie, I’m new also.” I had to take Blue Homebase on a tour of the campus and I didn’t know the campus so I came in at 6:30 that morning and the security guard saw me. They were worried: what was I doing on campus? I had to figure out where the pool was. It was nice that Charlie and I could be new together and then Charlie and I get to graduate together.

RR: What is your favorite class that you’ve taught?

DS: I don’t have a favorite class per say. I love teaching sixth grade because the students there are still full of wonder, and they’re really excited. But I love the eighth and ninth graders because they challenge the teachers and ask why and make really strong connections. I like different grades for different reasons.

RR: Anything you won’t miss about Riverdale?

DS: Finding a place to park my car. I have to be here at 7:15 every morning to make sure I get a good spot, and hopefully not have my car get hit.

RR: Any words of wisdom you want to leave the RCS community with?

DS: I would say, be kind to each other; be respectful in the classroom; know your teachers want the best for you. I would tell the teachers: be a role model for your students -- show them what it’s like to be kind to them so you get the same in return. 

RR: What will you be doing next?

DS: My husband and I own a house in Bluffton, South Carolina which is right near Hilton Head and we bought it during COVID. We finally decided that’s where we want to be. I’m going to be teaching at Bluffton High School; I’ll be teaching Algebra and Geometry. My husband will be playing golf, because he’s retired. I have family down there and my mom is there and my daughters are in Atlanta. We’ll be in the South getting some sun.