Miss Hagen: From Student Playwright to Beloved West Lake Drama Teacher
Jean Hagen: From Spotlight
to School Stage –
A Legacy of Learning and Laughter
Before she ever stood in front of a classroom or gathered students for a final bow, Jean Hagen was a young dreamer and doer, already writing her own scripts and taking center stage.
The Viewmont Years – Creativity Takes Flight
As a senior at Viewmont High School in Centerville, Utah, Jean’s creative spark was already unmistakable. In 1970s tradition, the senior debate class wrote and produced a melodrama—and Jean took the reins with gusto.
She penned and starred in a bold, original play titled "Come Fly With Me — or Take a Chance on Havana," a modern twist on old-fashioned melodrama. With a plot centered around a heroine (Ophelia Airheart), a hijacker, and a love-struck hero, it tackled the hot-topic issue of airline hijackings with a clever blend of satire and heart.
Jean played Ophelia herself, joined by Rick Barlow as the hero and Rick Huish as the villain. Fellow student Gary Green composed original lyrics, and the production was sponsored by the National Honor Society. Jean also wrote a hijacker-themed debate play for a school event the same year, showcasing her early flair for writing that was witty, relevant, and entertaining.
Even back then, she wasn't just participating—she was leading. Building sets, guiding actors, and crafting stories, she was laying the foundation for a remarkable future in education and the arts.
Miss Hagen was everywhere—teaching drama and math, leading skits across the valley, helping with tryouts, cheering at assemblies and ballgames—she was the heart of West Lake
West Lake Junior High – A Stage of Her Own
Jean brought that same passion and creativity to West Lake Junior High, where she taught in the Granite School District for 35 years. While her career included teaching math, mentoring new teachers, and running the library, it was her drama classes that truly left a lasting impression.
At West Lake, Jean directed over 25 musicals, collaborating often with colleagues like Jennifer Strassburg and Louise Rounds. She brought out the best in her students—many of whom still remember their roles in skits, musical numbers, and full theatrical productions. Under her direction, students not only performed at school assemblies but also shared their talents at local nursing homes, spreading cheer and discovering what it meant to connect through art.
She later helped produce morning news broadcasts for the school and spent her final decade mentoring new teachers alongside Ken Hopkins. Even after retiring, Jean continues to feel connected to the West Valley community through her friendships with former students, many of whom keep in touch through social media.
Jean's time at West Lake wasn’t just about producing shows—it was about building confidence, teaching collaboration, and giving students a voice. She created a space where drama was more than just a class—it was a place where kids found themselves.
Miss Hagen encouraged every student to try out, work hard, give it their all, smile through the nerves, and let their light shine—on stage and in the community
A Lasting Legacy
From writing modern melodramas as a student to inspiring countless young performers as a teacher, Jean Hagen’s legacy is rich with imagination, dedication, and heart. She brought stories to life on stage—and helped her students see the stories they could write for themselves.
Jean once said she loved West Lake because of “the variety, the opportunities, and the amazing students and faculty.” And surely, the feeling was mutual.
To countless West Lake Mustangs, Miss Hagen was more than a teacher—she was a mentor, a role model, and one of the best they ever had.”
Grateful to share these pieces of the past with you. Take care, Sheri Kimball Biesinger
