Mahomet-Seymour High School

Mrs. Courvoisier Retires
By Nikolle Keeney

The art program at Mahomet-Seymour High School was forever changed in 1973 when Mrs. Nancy Courvoisier first burst through its doors -- bringing with her a vivacity and love of art that has characterized her throughout the years.
Growing up in Greenville, IL, Courvoisier says that she has always expressed an interest in art. Admiring her grandfather, a graphic artist and designer from Switzerland, she has always kept sketchbooks and was constantly drawing. In high school, Courvoisier further expressed her abilities while acting as layout editor of the yearbook and being steadily active in her school’s music program.

Unsure of what she wanted to be, Courvoisier entered college as an English major at the University of Illinois. While doing microscope drawings in a botany class one day, her professor became so impressed with her drawings that he suggested taking an art class -- Courvoisier said she did, and “never turned back.” From English, Courvoisier switched to Graphic Design and then finally to an Art Education Major to which she received both her Bachelors and Masters Degrees.

Upon graduating, Courvoisier spent a year in Rantoul before hearing about an opening in Mahomet’s Art Department from a friend. She got the job; however, Courvoisier came upon some unexpected challenges -- the preceding teacher had not left any documented curriculum. Courvoisier worked endlessly on the curriculum -- writing everything down and creating a vast array of new programs. In the beginning, there were three, year-long art classes (Art 1, 2, and 3). Because of scheduling conflicts, Courvoisier broke down the classes into semester long courses and created a wide variety of classes to choose from -- today we have everything from Graphic Design to Jewelry Making.

Aside from widely expanding and improving the Art Department at MSHS, Courvoisier also feels a sense of accomplishment in her classroom. Having fully designed the room herself, she feels it is fully functional and well equipped with everything that she has put into it over the years. She feels confident that she’s passing down a complete art room to the next teacher in line.

Mrs. Courvoisier is a woman who loves her job, “What other job can you just sit around and draw all day?” she asks. She enjoys being able to demonstrate with work of her own to students. In fact, she has created a huge portfolio of examples she has done over the years.

Although she loves her job, Courvoisier feels ready to retire. She is looking forward to traveling with her husband and finally having time to work in her own studio.
Of Mrs. Courvoisier, Principal Del Ryan says, “She has really transformed the art program at the school. I am really going to miss her artistic visions and the enthusiasm she has brought to the table.”

“I’ll definitely miss the students,” Courvoisier says. “It’s good to know I’ve had a positive influence on them, and especially on the kids who couldn’t excel in anything else.” She adds, “Teaching is a job worth doing."