Ms. McCannon, beloved visual arts teacher, has decided to retire after twenty-two years of educating at Whitney Young. McCannon began her career as a student teacher from UIC at Whitney and was shortly thereafter hired. She has helped to create one of the best art programs in the city, in turn training both Ms. Wax and Ms. Klark, ⅖ of our art department. McCannon taught both Photography and Studio Drawing and Painting.

Alina Srichinda ‘16 had Ms. McCannon this year for her Beginning Photography class. “I really enjoyed having Ms. McCannon,” said Srichinda, “I took a bunch of art classes and photo was by far my favorite. Ms. McCannon has us do these really intricate reflective journals; it was one of my favorite assignments of my entire high school career.” Srichinda was sad to hear that McCannon had decided to retire. “I feel bad for students taking the class next year, they’ll never know what it’s like to have such an amazing teacher.”

Teah Medellin ‘16 had McCannon her freshman year for Art 1. “Ms. McCannon pushed me harder than any art teacher had before. She really forced me to open my mind to new techniques I wasn’t familiar with and expand my horizons as an aspiring artist.”

McCannon seemed excited to be stepping down. An avid animal lover she is excited to pursue her passion as a pet photographer or a dog walker. “I am going to really miss the students though,” she lamented, “there is nothing compared to being around such young, creative minds. I’m incredibly proud of the program that I have helped to build up at this school and the students I’ve had. It was what originally attracted me to teach and what will be the hardest thing to leave behind.”