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Doer’s Profile | Sarah Nutt

by | Jun 23, 2026

Sarah Nutt at Rappahannock County High School with students participating in RAAC’s Summer Chorus and Drama program. (Photo/Bob Hurley)

Background: English and theater teacher at Rappahannock County High School; chorus and drama program manager for the Rappahannock Association for Arts and Community (RAAC); previously taught seventh grade in Fauquier County schools and at Rappahannock County Elementary School; lived in Chicago for 10 years, working in retail clothing sales and in development for a women’s homeless shelter; actor with RAAC Community Theatre; grew up in Amissville; graduated from Elon University in North Carolina; earned a teaching certification from Shenandoah University in Winchester; age 37; lives in Woodville with her dog, Wally, and cat, Emma.

The Spark: I grew up in a creative and highly energetic household. My dad built our house and was always creating special places, like the dining room where he hand painted a 360-degree mural and hung two old hotel chandeliers. My mom is like the Energizer Bunny. She has a doctorate and two master’s degrees and is a literacy specialist for Fauquier County schools. Growing up, my older brother and sister and I had a lot of freedom to express ourselves and participate in a playful environment with our parents. All that energy and creativity rubbed off on me, but I think it is also in my DNA.

Proudest Achievement: Watching my students crush it in play rehearsals, writing creatively, stepping into leadership roles and problem-solving — that’s what makes me proud.

A different achievement was my move to Chicago at age 22. It was a big step. I had to overcome loneliness and emotional challenges, and eventually I found my footing. Practicing self-awareness, accepting your limitations and being your most authentic self — that’s when big things happen. I eventually built friendships and community around jobs and activities that complemented my style and personality. These were big achievements for this rural woman moving to the big city.

Biggest Challenge: I taught seventh graders in Fauquier County schools for three years and one year in Rappahannock. It was so challenging! Don’t get me wrong — I loved those kids, but I decided it wasn’t for me. For me, working with high schoolers is a whole different world. Motivating them to write creatively or participate in plays is a challenge I welcome. So many of them step up and exceed my expectations.

Why It Matters: I think that the purpose of life is connection. Why do humans have the ability to emote and feel so much? I think it’s because we’re meant to — we’re bonding creatures. And so if you’re not bonding with the right people, you are selling yourself short and not getting the most out of life.

My goal as a teacher is to develop those connection skills so they can be applied to other career fields — public speaking, leadership, teamwork, problem-solving, storytelling, delegating, creating a vision and executing it. Theater in particular is a safe space. High-intensity feelings are celebrated on the stage. I want my students to feel safe to express, take risks and be weird.

Favorite Rappahannock Treasure: Without question, Flatwood “Mall.” I am an enthusiastic patron of the dump. My dad and I made bumper stickers: “See it all at Flatwood Mall!” I have found so many cool items at the share shack, and every time someone comments on any of them, I proudly tell them where I got it.

Author

  • Bob Hurley

    Bob Hurley has been a member of the Foothills reporting team for several years. In addition to writing in-depth news articles, Bob regularly contributes Doer’s Profiles which feature stories about people who make important contributions to the Rappahannock community.

    After graduating from college, Bob worked for several years at the ABC News bureau in Washington, D.C., and as a communications director for the National Wildlife Federation. Later, he spent over a decade in the United States Senate as a senior staff member working on major environmental laws including the Clean Water Act, the Clean Air, coastal, and wetlands protection legislation. Subsequently, he ran a government relations firm specializing in environment, energy and sustainability issues.

    Bob and his wife, Heather, have had a home in Rappahannock since 2016. He enjoys being involved in a wide range of community activities including the Rappahannock League for Environmental Protection, RAAC Theatre, Headwaters Starfish Mentoring Program, the Lions Club and Rapp at Home. He enjoys fishing, gardening, hiking, and biking.

    Reach Bob at [email protected]
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By Bob Hurley

Read more articles by Bob Hurley
Bob Hurley has been a member of the Foothills reporting team for several years. In addition to writing in-depth news articles, Bob regularly contributes Doer’s Profiles which feature stories about people who make important contributions to the Rappahannock community. After graduating from college, Bob worked for several years at the ABC News bureau in Washington, D.C., and as a communications director for the National Wildlife Federation. Later, he spent over a decade in the United States Senate as a senior staff member working on major environmental laws including the Clean Water Act, the Clean Air, coastal, and wetlands protection legislation. Subsequently, he ran a government relations firm specializing in environment, energy and sustainability issues. Bob and his wife, Heather, have had a home in Rappahannock since 2016. He enjoys being involved in a wide range of community activities including the Rappahannock League for Environmental Protection, RAAC Theatre, Headwaters Starfish Mentoring Program, the Lions Club and Rapp at Home. He enjoys fishing, gardening, hiking, and biking. Reach Bob at [email protected]