Seven Hills Dedicates Buildings in Honor of Two Retirees

The Seven Hills School renamed the Middle and Upper School buildings in honor of two long-time administrators, with a combined more than 65 years at Seven Hills.

The Marrs Upper School was named after Assistant Head of School and Director of College Counseling Susan Marrs. Marrs is retiring at the end of the 2023-24 school year after spending 52 years at Seven Hills.

The Garten Middle School was named after Head of School Chris Garten, who is also retiring at the end of the school year after 15 years of leading the Seven Hills School.

“Both Mr. Garten and Mrs. Marrs have dedicated their lives to enriching the experiences of countless students and alumni. Today, we celebrate their remarkable achievements. While their presence will be sorely missed, their influence will continue to resonate within our community for generations to come,” said Seven Hills Board of Trustees Chair Lair Kennedy, at the dedication ceremony attended by students, pre-kindergarten through grade 12, and members of the community on April 24.

Head of Upper School and Head of School-elect Matt Bolton praised Garten for his strategic planning and ability to turn dreams into reality. He spearheaded numerous construction projects during his tenure, including the renovation and expansion of the Middle School, which reopened in April 2022.

“These buildings are a physical manifestation of Mr. Garten’s commitment to making our school the best at getting better. Seeing his name over the entrance of the Middle School every day will be a reminder of the excellent example he has set,” Bolton said.

Marrs began as a part-time English teacher at the Hillsdale School in 1971 and continued on through the merger that created The Seven Hills School, serving as a teacher, college counselor, and Head of Upper School, in addition to her current roles.

“Susan Marrs has been an integral — not to mention beloved — member of the Seven Hills community since its founding in 1974 to this celebratory moment 50 years later. Susan has a deep understanding of the school and a commitment to providing a challenging academic program in a supportive and encouraging environment,” former Board of Trustees Chair and former Interim Head of School Tory Parlin said.