Class of 2026 Dedicates Yearbook to Veteran Teacher Bob Potter

Throughout their time on the hilltop, the Class of 2026 has had faculty and staff members there to help them through. But during School Meeting on May 11, one of them received a very special honor from the Sixth Form: the yearbook dedication. This year’s Cantuarian honors long-time educator Bob Potter.

Mr. Potter has been an English teacher at Canterbury since 1993. Over the years, he’s coached a number of sports and currently serves as Head Coach of the Varsity Golf team and unofficial timekeeper for Varsity Basketball. This year marks the second time he has had the yearbook dedicated in his honor—further evidence of his unwavering commitment to his students and the Canterbury community.

“Mr. Potter has a talent for making everyone feel welcome on the hilltop,” said yearbook editor Boyang Jiang ’26. “His dedication to the community is felt throughout his classes, coaching, and general support of everyone who crosses his path. Thank you, Mr. Potter, for your years of dedication, wisdom, and support.”

Boyang presented Mr. Potter with the first copy of the 2026 Cantuarian, which was thematically inspired by sunsets at Canterbury, to enthusiastic applause from students, faculty, and staff.

“When I heard my name called, it was a bit of a shock, and I'm very grateful,” Mr. Potter says. “Last Wednesday, I was outside in the rain for five hours coaching the golf team before heading back on the road on Thursday for another match against Gunn. I was getting pretty worn out, so it's good to know that the commitment is appreciated.”

In these last few weeks of school, his words of wisdom to students, especially Sixth Form students, remain as steady as his guidance always is: “I constantly preach my ‘Nine Words to Success,’” he says. “Go to class, do the reading, and say something.”

Then let us say: thank you for all you do, Mr. Potter!