Chantilly High’s Ed Monk is one of the most popular and effective theater teachers/directors around. And some of his seniors recently shared their thoughts about him.

“He’s a really good teacher,” said Jalen Thurman. “He keeps the mood light, but still pushes you to be the best actor you can be. He’s also extremely creative and a lot of fun to be around.”

“Mr. Monk is a living legend — he’s been teaching, entertaining and inspiring students at Chantilly for many, many years,” said Hannah Harmison. “He talks to us like we’re adults, not children.”

“There’s an old saying, ‘Those who can’t do, teach,’ and that’s definitely not the case with him,” she continued. “He’s successful as a well-known writer, outside the Chantilly Drama Department, with his plays being produced all over the world. People in drama departments all over the country, and even in a school in Australia, know his name.”

Trisha Ford said Monk always spoke his mind and never held back. And, saying he can’t believe Monk is actually retiring, Jacob Rechner said he’ll always remember him shouting the word, “Volume!” to get his actors to talk louder onstage.

“He’s a great writer and teaches you about human nature and how audiences react,” said Jordan Plozai. “He’s also a role model in drama because, in the ’70s, he was named the Outstanding Drama Student of the Year at Chantilly and then came back and taught here.”

“He told us to ‘Always be yourself and never be afraid to laugh at yourself,’” said Drew Beckvonpeccoz. “And in our freshman year, we were the first class to perform one of his new plays, ‘Bedtime Stories.’”

Daniel Richter said, “You can tell [Monk] really cares about the department and Chantilly as a community and only doing things that would benefit them. And he always had a great time driving the drama students in the homecoming parade.”

“Not only is he a phenomenal director — probably the best in the county — but he also makes theater fun,” said Grace Mattes. “He’s really kind and always tries to include everyone. And he asks us how we’re doing and keeps up with our lives — and that’s where a successful teacher separates himself from the pack.”

Due to family job transfers, Sarah Kratz attended three other high schools before Chantilly. And, she said, “Mr. Monk and Mrs. Khatcheressian created the most friendly and welcoming environment where I was able to make friends immediately. Mr. Monk looks out for the little guy and brings out the best in everyone, including the quiet kids who might otherwise be overlooked.”

“It’s sad that he’s retiring,” added Julia Parkinson. “It’ll be hard to find anyone who compares to him. He cares about his students and makes time to get to know them.”

Noting that Monk taught both her older sisters, too, Hannah Bridenbaugh said she’s known him for more than 10 years. “And in that time, he’s never made me feel like a little kid. Even when I was 6 or 7, I was another human being.”

“He’s taught me, not just about acting, but about how people work, and I ended up learning so much about psychology,” she continued. “I got so many great opportunities, and I know I’ll be well-prepared to do whatever I want, theater-related, in the future, because of Mr. Monk.”