Carolyn Chirnside taught English at Coventry High School for 30 years from 1963-1993. For most of those years, Carolyn served as the Department Head. She provided a great example of leadership to all members of her staff. One staff member sent a letter to Carolyn thanking her for the many years of respect, thoughtfulness and sincere interest in the well-being of others. This teacher reminisced about the times that Carolyn would come in to observe in her classroom as part of her evaluation. She said, “you always came with a smile and an expression of interest that kept the whole experience from being intimidating.” She also went on to say “I never lacked for any support or backing from you, and that means more than words can say. You have always kept the balance of department head and personal friend – not something easily done.” While head of the English Department, she published an article titled “Ten Commandments for Successful Teacher Evaluation” to be used as a guide for any school district interested in implementing a successful program of evaluations. Among her other achievements was the establishment of the RIC Early Enrollment Program in Coventry. Carolyn was also active in the curriculum revision for her department. The formation of Honors courses, study skills (SAT prep) and writing courses were also among her achievements. She fostered a no-nonsense approach to teaching where students earned their grades. Her students usually commented that she was tough, but always fair. 

     Carolyn graduated from URI, earned a Masters’ Degree at Rhode Island College and studied for a PhD at the University of Connecticut. She was selected to attend the Humanities Institute of Johns Hopkins University which was held at Cambridge University in England. Upon completion of that summer program, Carolyn received one of only 3 “A” grades awarded in a very large class. She was a member of the Rhode Island Council of Teachers of English and an Officer in the Coventry Teachers Association. Carolyn was a life-long member of Park Place Congregational Church in Pawtucket and served in many capacities there. A great achievement was becoming the first woman to be elected to be President of the Board at the church. We believe that she was actually the first woman to be elected as President of the Board of any major church in Rhode Island. She served six years in this capacity, longer than anyone else had ever served. The current pastor, who knew Carolyn very well, described her as intelligent, diplomatic, fun, interesting, and a person who had a great way of working with others regardless of their backgrounds. A passionate theater goer, Carolyn held season tickets to at least six theaters in RI, MA and CT and attended regularly. She traveled all over the world, and especially enjoyed her trips to England with her various travel companions. She was a VIP on a few cruise lines and traveled at every opportunity. An avid bridge player. Carolyn loved her family, students, friends and her beloved dogs. Simply put, she was kind and generous to all. A life well-lived.