Kristin Nichols, more commonly known by her maiden name “Cloak”, has been Neshaminy High School’s (NHS) choir teacher and musical director for many years. Year after year, Nichols continues to inspire young students to pursue careers in theater and music.
In recognition of her positive influence on the Neshaminy community, her hard work on the school musicals, and her dedication to the arts, the Playwickian recognizes Nichols as Teacher of the Issue for January.
With Nichols growing up in choir, she understands being on the other side of the teaching, and does her best every day to facilitate creativity in her classroom.
“I like things that are creative,” Nichols explained. “So [this job] is right up my alley.”
Furthermore, she shares her students’ passion for music, stating, “Music was always really important to me.”
She carries that same passion and creativity past her job as a choir teacher, and into her work on Neshaminy’s musicals.
Her effort towards the musical is evident, with her ideas for it constantly occupying her mind.
“Even when I’m driving into school, I’m coming up with ideas, listening to different versions of the songs and pondering how this scene can transition from one scene to the next.”
However, she doesn’t work alone. Nichols also highlights the work of her fellow contributors to the musical who help make these productions happen.
“Gina Chiolan, [who is in charge of] the dramatics part of it, Kristen Brown, the choreographer, Jim King, the set builder, Tyler Santone, who does the sound, and Karen Henninger who does the costumes,” Nichols attributes. “And my parents are actually very helpful in all the weird things that have to be created. They’re always very good at finding and building odd things for me.”
Aside from her coworkers, Nichols has also formed connections with her students, caring deeply for each of them.
“You only get them for four years, and… the senior class, it’s hard [for them to leave], and every year it’s hard to think about what it’s going to be like without them.”
She finds her work with her students deeply rewarding, citing a specific anecdote with a student of hers. After showing her students how the play looked when finally all put together, Nichols was moved by her reaction.
“One of the girls actually teared up and was really overwhelmed because I think she finally got to see what the big picture was, and she was really proud and moved by that. And that was a really cool feeling for me.”
But, unlike the ever-changing group of students, Nichols reiterates her appreciation for the staff who’ve stuck with her all this time.
“All the adults I hang out with like G, Kristyn Brown, Mr. King, Tyler, and Karen Henninger, we all have the best time together,” Nichols elucidated. “I’m just so grateful for the people that are always there, because it would really be devastating without them.”
However, above all else, there is one thing that Nichols hopes to leave with her students long after the curtains close on their high school performances.
“Be nice and work hard… It doesn’t matter what you can do at the moment; it matters what you can do after you’ve worked hard,” Nichols advises.