If you could trade lives with someone for a day who would it be?
Ms. Lyons: “Ruth Bader Ginsburg.”
Mr. Dickinson: “Prince.”
If you weren’t a teacher, what job would you have?
Mr. Dickinson: “I would do something that has to do with art, either visual or musical, or honestly probably both.”
Ms. Lyons: “I would found an organization that would help feed the world.”
What is your go-to breakfast?
Mr. Dickinson: “I go for three cups of coffee and an English muffin with peanut butter; this meal cuts the risk of colds by 400%.”
Ms. Lyons: “I usually eat oatmeal with cinnamon, walnuts and organically grown blueberries all with a cup of green tea.”
What is your favorite sport to play?
Mr. Dickinson: “Tennis.”
Ms. Lyons: “Golf; I add a chapter to my curse book every time.”
If you won the lottery what would you do first?
Ms. Lyons: “I would give away 15% to charity and family needs. And for myself, I would purchase an apartment in Paris and a Lamborghini.”
Mr. Dickinson: “I would get a pilot license and buy a plane to travel the world.”
What are three things you would bring to a deserted island?
Mr. Dickinson: “Food, water, and a surfboard.”
Ms. Lyons: “Champagne, sunscreen, and my Kindle.”
What decade had the best students?
Mr. Dickinson: “The 1990s was the golden era of this school. There were really smart kids and good athletes. It was also a time pre-email…..too many gizmos now.”
Ms. Lyons: “I agree.”
If you could go one place in the world where would it be?
Mr. Dickinson: “Prince Edward Island has been our escape from boarding school life.”
Ms. Lyons: “All the countries in Asia.”
What is the best piece of advice you have ever been given?
Mr. Dickinson: “Justify your existence!”
Ms. Lyons: “Do it with conviction!”
What is your most embarrassing childhood memory?
Mr. Dickinson: “The teacher was tired of letting the 5 year-olds go to the bathroom so often, so I just peed my pants.”
Ms. Lyons: “At the Bushnell Memorial in Hartford, CT, I tap-danced in a dance recital with lots of people. During the scene when I was supposed to bend down, I kicked up…”
Did you have a high school nickname?
Mr. Dickinson & Ms. Lyons: “If you think I could repeat it to you, no way.”
What is your favorite memory at Deerfield?
Mr. Dickinson: “When I was the Chair of the Arts department, and when I was awarded the Hilson Chair, the Academic Chair, and the Greer chairs.”
Ms. Lyons: “When I was the Chair of the Language department, and when I also won the Greer Chair, and the Chair of Independence Foundation Chair. Also, I loved working in the Language department, and witnessing the return to co-education.”