A few weeks ago, the Englewood REVIEW spotlighted Gina Barber, Lemon Bay High School’s theatre teacher, as she transformed a pile of old programs, photos, and production posters into a proper wall of fame.
Gina, who’s been teaching and directing the Lemon Bay theatre program, just wrapped up something that’ll stick around for years: a brand-new wall in the performing arts center. It’s more than a collage; it’s a living timeline that captures every chapter of LBHS Theatre, from its first shows all the way up to today.
She didn’t build it just for likes or shares. Gina hopes the wall stirs something real, especially in alumni and those in the Englewood community who have watched the program grow. She wants them to see where Lemon Bay Theatre has been and to feel that rush of pride.
It’s a bittersweet moment. Gina is off to China for a new job, stepping away from Lemon Bay’s stage, at least for now. To celebrate her years of service, we asked Gina to share a piece of her story.
“I grew up in Marietta, Georgia,” she told us. “I landed in Englewood nearly 13 years ago with my husband, Jim, who grew up here and graduated from Lemon Bay High with the class of ‘87. My parents are still in Georgia, along with my four siblings, their families, and a whole crowd of nieces and nephews. I have two stepdaughters, a grandson, and two great-nephews, too. Most of my extended family calls Georgia home.”
Gina’s teaching story stretches back 12 years, and this fall she’ll begin year 13 in Nanjing, China, teaching elementary drama at an international school. For the past four years, she’s led Lemon Bay High School’s theatre and choir programs, and before that, she spent six years teaching theatre at Woodland Middle. “I love guiding students as they discover their confidence and their voices on stage,” she said. “The best part is watching them build real friendships and tackle challenges together, especially when the pressure is on. Sharing this passion for theatre with them—that’s what keeps me coming back.”
Gina, the Englewood community thanks you for your service, and we wish you good luck in all your adventures in China. Or, as they say in China, “Zhù nǐ hǎo yùn.”
Gina was a good sport and took on our Englewood REVIEW Proust Questionnaire, which has become a tradition for our Englewood Examiner Profiles.
What is your idea of perfect happiness?
Not worrying about what others think about you so much.
What is your greatest fear?
That I may have inadvertently caused someone pain without meaning to. Especially, if they didn’t feel they could come to me to try and work it out.
What is the trait you most deplore in yourself?
That I dwell too much on the things I can’t change or if something happens or is said that cuts deeply, it takes me a long time to move past it. I can bury it and distract myself from it, but it takes a long time for it to disappear.
What is the trait you most deplore in others?
Being fake. If you have something to say, just say it. I can’t stand it when people tap dance around an issue. You’re not going to like everything that someone says to you, but at least if someone is direct you can address it, find a solution (or not), and move on.
Which living person do you most admire?
My father. I can’t think of a better role model for how to handle the things life throws your way; good, bad, and ugly. I know that has to do with his faith, which I share. We can’t always see the bigger picture, but God can, and his plan is better than ours; no question.
What is your greatest extravagance?
Getting my hair and nails done. And shopping for clothes. I love to shop!
What do you consider the most overrated virtue?
Staying quiet just because you disagree with someone or they might disagree with you. Discussion is healthy and too often in the world today we don’t see enough discussion. It’s ok to have a different opinion than those around you. It’s what makes life interesting.
Which words or phrases do you most overuse?
“Dadgummit,” “Geez Louise,” “Suck it up, buttercup” (Kale Dailey’s favorite phrase). My favorite one “Yo!” anytime sometime calls my name (MASH reference).
