DUXBURY, Vt. -
School's almost out for summer at Harwood Union High School. But before the final dismissal, there was one last assembly-- the annual award ceremony honoring students and teachers. Most in attendance will be back next school year, but not Di Phillips. The chorus teacher is retiring after four decades on the job and she got one heck of a send off. One of Phillips' biggest fans paid a visit; someone who happens to have a few fans of her own.
Grace Potter was back on the first stage she ever performed on. She went to Harwood. As a gift to her former chorus teacher, Potter surprised the school with a quick concert. Potter credits Phillips for much of the success she's had on the national stage.
"I'm very grateful for that comment. Grace was a very talented student. I'm sure none of us thought she'd get to where she is but we're so proud of her," Phillips said.
"I just thought she deserved it. She's had such an impact on not just me, but so many students," Potter said.
It was Phillips' class that taught Potter to write music. That inspired her to pursue her rock 'n' roll dreams.
"She was just such a hot ticket and all the students were always looking to her class and nothing has changed to this day," Potter said.
"For me it's just instilling a passion for music," Phillips said.
Grace Potter's style has changed since she was a student at Harwood; her fashion and her vocals. But Phillips says she was always evolving, always creative and always late!
Grace Potter: You want to make her happy, to give her exactly what she's trying to pull out of you because it makes you better.
Reporter Gina Bullard: But you were still late for class.
Grace Potter: I was still late for class! (laughs)
Asked if she thinks of Grace Potter as a rock star, Phillips answered, "No, not at all. She just looks beautiful and she's certainly grown into one.
Giving back to a teacher and a school that shaped Grace Potter into the performer she is today.
All of the students at Wednesday's assembly left with copies of Grace Potter's new album, "The Lion The Beast The Beat." This is the first album Potter has produced herself.
