A native of Brooklyn, N.Y., Dolores Plant has been working at Broad Run High School, in Ashburn for more than 35 years. After a short stint in Indianapolis and Prince Georges County, she settled with her husband and son in Northern Virginia in 1971. She attended school in Brooklyn at Erasmus Hall with many talented musicians and actors such as Neil Diamond and Barbara Streisand.
"I would pass Streisand's house every day on my way to school," said Plant. "She was a few years younger than I so, when I would come back to Brooklyn I would often see her."
In addition to attending school with such talents, she also has had the pleasure as an educator of watching future talent go through high school. At her years at Broad Run she has known comedian Patton Oswalt, a co-star of the hit series "King of Queens," as well as New England Patriots standout linebacker Larry Izzo.
"It's just great to see kids who I have watched through high school grow up and be successful," said Plant.
Her answers to the following questions reveal her cultured background and sense of humor.
Chris Richards: Where did you grow up and in what town?
Dolores Plant: I am originally from Brooklyn, N.Y., however, I moved to Long Island. Then from Long Island I moved to Indianapolis, then to Prince Georges County for a short teaching job, then to [Loudoun County].
CR: What are some notable achievements of yours in teaching or in the community?
DP: I think that the greatest of all is just to see what kids have come to be and to know that they still remember me and something I may have said or just to know that I may have made a positive impact on them. It's just a great feeling.
CR: Can you tell me about your family?
DP: I have one son who actually graduated from Broad Run, but I wont reveal what year (laughs). I also have a husband who lives here with me in Countryside.
CR: What do you like or dislike about your community in Loudoun?
DP: I really like Loudoun compared to where I grew up because of the closeness here. A lot of people know me here and it is nice to be recognized. However, I am worried that Loudoun may become too big and overcrowded.
CR: What is your favorite local restaurant?
DP: I really love Tuscarora. Pretty much anything Italian.
CR: Do you have any favorite hobbies or thing to do when you are not working?
DP: I love to read and watch old-time movies. I also love to go antique shopping.
CR: Do you have any concerns about your community?
DP: I sometimes worry that everyone won't know each other; it's nice to have personal contact.
CR: Are there any ideas that you have that could improve the community?
DP: Everyone should stay involved. Voice complaints and disagreements so changes can be made.
CR: Do you have any personal goals left?
DP: I always try to improve myself. Even when we think something is perfect, there is always something that you can do to improve it.
CR: What is your favorite vacation spot?
DP: I really love Hilton Head, S.C. It's like a completely different place there.
Recently, while dinning at a Cracker Barrel with her husband a man approached Plant and said, "she's still the best looking woman in the room!" Plant was surprised and wondered who it was. He then identified himself as a former student at Broad Run who knew Plant.
"I was so taken aback that after many years someone would come up and say something so kind, it makes you realize that you do make an impact," says Plant.
Then, after their meal, Plant requested the bill, but their server informed them that Plant's former student had already paid for their meal. As he got up to leave Plant went to him and said, "Thank you but you didn't have to do that." The former student then said in response, "I just want to show you what a difference you made for me. You always supported me when no one else would."
"It's moments like those that just make you proud to be a teacher," said Plant.
<lst>Send profile nominations to The Connection, 7913 Westpark Drive, McLean, VA 22102, e-mail to
loudoun@connectionnewspapers.com or fax to 703-917-0991. For more information, call Jennifer Lesinski at 703-917-6454.