The Steady Influence of Susan Sicard: Celebrating Twenty Years of Faithful Service

Long before she taught Calculus, Chemistry, or Physics at Jesse Remington High School, Susan Sicard once sat in those very same classrooms as a student.

As Susan Wilderman, she graduated from JRHS in 2002. After earning a bachelor’s degree in Chemistry and Environmental Science from Geneva College and pursuing graduate studies in Natural Resources at the University of New Hampshire, she could have followed any number of professional paths. Instead, she returned to the community that had shaped her faith, character, and love of learning.

Twenty years later, the impact of that decision is seen not only in courses taught and programs led, but in lives shaped and strengthened. Since the beginning of her teaching career, countless students have passed through her Math and Science classes. She has been a mentor, encourager, guide, and steady example of Christian service. Whether leading a Physics lab, coaching a student through a difficult Calculus problem, or accompanying students on mountain hikes, camping trips, or mission trips, she consistently balances high expectations with genuine care and joy.

Former student Thomas Philbrick, Class of 2011, remembers her contagious enthusiasm for learning: “She builds up those around her yet holds a high standard for herself and others,” he reflected. One chemistry lesson remains especially vivid in his memory—Susan grew increasingly animated as she explained a complex concept, only to eventually realize that her students had been left somewhere behind the momentum of her enthusiasm. With characteristic humility and humor, she laughed, then patiently retraced the lesson so that every student could follow and understand.

Thomas also remembers the deeper spirit she brought into the classroom—a genuine joy in the beauty and complexity of God’s creation. That same spirit was evident in her Botany class, one of the first electives he took with her at JRHS, and it continued to shape his experience in Biology and Chemistry throughout high school. He recalls her as both rigorous and approachable, joyful yet disciplined—someone who could hold high academic expectations while still drawing students into wonder.

Alumni Nimród Selmeczi, Class of 2015, remembers her enthusiasm not only in the classroom, but also on mission trips, science labs, and maple sugaring projects. Reflecting on their continued friendship years after graduation, he wrote, “For me she’s not just a teacher from the past, she’s a great friend.”

Her combination of excellence, patience, and encouragement is echoed in the stories of many who have learned from her.  

More recently, a parent of a current student shared, “Susan always blesses me with her warmth, authenticity, and deep care for each of her students. She is attuned to their specific personalities and needs and meets each one right where they are.”

Another reflected on Susan's "courage in facing trials and pressing on with faith and tenacity." 

Her father, Bill Wilderman, added “She has made me very proud of her success and accomplishments in life.” 

Her influence naturally extends beyond students to her colleagues. Since becoming Director of Curriculum and Instruction in 2021, she has helped strengthen the academic program while mentoring teachers and supporting ongoing curriculum development.

Faculty member Jacob Samuelson credits her with shaping his own growth as an educator: “She has been an excellent example to me as to what a good teacher looks like and shows everyone what it means to be committed to a ministry long term.” 

One teacher, Nancy Catano, fondly recalled Susan’s investment in her as a new faculty member: “She was so patient teaching this dinosaur how to use RenWeb!”

Another teacher, who asked to remain anonymous, added with humor, “She is great at rolling with the punches and quick to forgive, as evidenced by the rather large amount of paint I spilled on her walkway.”

Those who work alongside Susan consistently describe her as a rare combination of competence, humility, and perseverance. Whether leading initiatives or supporting others’ work, she approaches every task with quiet excellence and reliability.

“Susan has impacted my life through her example as an encourager and faithful follower of Jesus Christ,” said administrator Cheryl Crawford. “She consistently comes alongside others, offering steady support in every task. She also has a determined confidence that is contagious, and you are left believing, yes, we can do it.”

Her influence has never been confined to the classroom. Her love for God’s creation is reflected in her graduate research on environmental restoration and in her enjoyment of birdwatching, hiking, gardening, and caring for the land around the Sicard farmhouse in Candia. She serves as a deacon and trumpet player at Candia Congregational Church and has opened her home to many in the school community over the years.

Doug and Katrina Langlois experienced that hospitality firsthand when, while they were finding a home in the community, Susan welcomed their daughter into her home. “With her usual grace, warmth, and humor, Susan hosted Ellie and helped her navigate freshman and sophomore years,” they recalled. Over nearly two decades, they have seen her serve as “a humble beacon of light” to all three of their children. They added, “Watching Susan serve others with both dignity and humility is a beautiful thing.” Susan and her husband Adam continue to open their home, extending that same spirit of hospitality to this day.

Headmaster Jeff Philbrick, founder of Jesse Remington High School, has known Susan across every chapter of her connection to the school—as a child growing up in the Church, as a student, as a fellow laborer in the ministry, and as a family friend. He remembers fondly the years when she was mentored by his parents, Jim and Diane Philbrick, whose investment in her life helped shape her early faith and love of life and learning. He recalls awarding her “The Jesse Remington Award” and her diploma upon her graduation. Years later, he has had the privilege of watching her return to the very community that formed her and grow into a teacher and leader who now carries that same influence forward.

“Susan’s life reflects a rare continuity of faithfulness,” he shared. “What she received here as a student, she has carried forward and multiplied in the lives of her own students and colleagues.” “It is a joy,” he added, “to see her now shaping the next generation in the same place where she herself was so deeply formed.”

That is the steady influence of Susan Sicard, and it will continue to bear fruit for generations to come.