Stephanie's Legacy (the work continues)

In just thirty-one short years, Stephanie Marie Weymouth made a difference. She made a difference in her family, in the lives of her friends and colleagues, and especially in the lives of her students. She believed in doing the work to learn about ourselves as individuals and using that self-awareness to relate to the greater world. Stephanie was always striving for something greater, and she relied on God for the strength to persevere through some of life's most devastating moments. 

Stephanie stirred something up in every person she met. She wore her purpose on her sleeve, and that purpose was to impact people in a way so that they were forever changed for the better. She challenged people to be better; better parents, better siblings, better friends, co-workers and students. She saw something bigger than what most of us see. She believed in the good of humanity, and she was doing everything she could to live her life striving to be better and pass that on to others. 

Education and Mentorship

"When I was completing my student teaching experience, I posed a question to my students. I asked, 'why should we advocate for theatre education to stay in schools?' One of my more challenging students raised her hand and answered, 'because theatre allows us inner city kids to see that there is more for us out there. It shows us that we can aspire to be more than just a rapper, or an athlete. It shows us we can be ourselves through art.' This statement is why I want to be a teacher at my core." -Stephanie Weymouth, as quoted from the cover letter she wrote while seeking employment at Gateway Academy in Newark, NJ.

Stephanie was the Theatre Arts teacher at Gateway Academy in Newark, NJ, where she had taught from 2020-2024. Before Ms. W, a theatre program wasn't even an option for students. She literally wrote the book and designed the curriculum to challenge, awaken, and inspire every student that was blessed to take her class.  She brought the first stage performance to the school when Clue debuted, worked with students on voice performance and a cappella, and mentored her beloved council daughters from the time they were freshman. Ms. W reminded her students every day that their circumstances don't disqualify them from all that life has to offer, but rather, their hardships over qualify them. She believed in her core that her students would make a difference in the world, and this is how she treated them every day.  Stephanie's vision and hope for all young people will never be forgotten in the halls of Gateway Academy.

"I want to create change. Through art, through music, through theatre, through acceptance, through community, and through love. I want to live a fulfilled life-creating beautiful chaos, stirring things up, and never settling." -Stephanie Weymouth 

Acting and Playwriting

"I had a conversation with a student about why we should keep the arts, specifically theatre, in schools. This student challenged me in the classroom, and they barely contributed to conversation all year. They told me, 'We live in a society that tells black kids we can't. And theatre says we can.' Theatre enables those kids to reach far beyond the limitations the world puts on them. I want to be a part of something that makes a difference, challenges me and those around me, and that fills my heart with joy. I want to make a difference." -Stephanie Weymouth

Stephanie felt connection and transformation when she was on stage. And boy did she exude that to her audience. She had a way of captivating those watching her, bringing them right into the moment alongside her. Not only was Stephanie a talented actress, but her writing skills blossomed as she continued her education and learning her craft. In her lifetime, Stephanie wrote 2 plays, one of which made it to the main stage at her college alma mater, Drew University. Learn more about the LINKED project, here.

Singer

"Today I am thankful for music. For its ability to comfort me, and for its ability to describe exactly how I am feeling. I'm thankful for my ability to teach music to students and young people. Music is healing, freeing, a relatable language between barriers. It is uniting. I am thankful that I get to be a part of the world of music." -Stephanie Weymouth

From the girl who taught herself to play the piano and outgrew lessons, to the girl who brings anyone lucky enough to hear her voice to tears. Stephanie was made to sing, and she considered it the ultimate gift to be able to share her gift with others. Steph may be gone from this world, but her voice will be here forever. 

Human Being

Stephanie had an innate something that drew people to her. Whether she met you once, or had known you for years, she had a way of making you feel like the most important person in the world. Steph had a genuine love for people, and her heart overflowed with compassion for others. She lived her life leaning into the hard, keeping her eyes open to see the goodness in others, and seeking forgiveness to walk forward in the light. Stephanie believed in the good, she stood for the good, and even though she is gone from this world, she is still teaching all of us how to strive to be good as well.