Sarah Shea Stratyner, Class of 1999
Name: Sarah Shea Stratyner
Graduated: 1999
Graduated from:
- North Central High School
- Ivy Tech Community College
Where do you live now: I own a home about 5 minutes away from STA. I love the area I grew up in!
What have you been up to since STA: After high school I moved to Orlando, FL, where I worked at the Walt Disney World Resort. I continued taking classes online in early childhood development while I was employed there. As all of my former STA classmates know, I am a Disney fanatic, and it was truly a magical experience being able to fulfill one of my childhood dreams. After Florida I returned to Indianapolis where I worked in childcare for many years. I have had the privilege of being able to teach, encourage, and hopefully inspire many young lives. “My” kids have certainly inspired me!
Baking is a hobby I’ve always enjoyed, and as an adult it has grown into a passion. While working as a nanny I would often experiment with different recipes. I loved decorating cupcakes for the organization I volunteered for, and baking about a million cookies for friends and family every Christmas! A few years ago while I was looking for new Christmas cookie recipes online, I came across some beautiful and intricately decorated sugar cookies. I was immediately intrigued by this edible art. I began watching videos, reading tutorials and books, and doing as much research as I could on this type of cookie decorating. As I continued to work with children, I was also slowly starting my own business, The Cookie Doe. There are no better cookie testers than kids, and they definitely approved! I’m not sure if they were more excited by the fact that they looked like Lego ninjas, or that they could eat them! I am now in the process of making my new dream of having a successful cookie business a reality. With every batch of cookies I decorate, I learn something new.
Family: I’m not married (yet!) and don’t have any children of my own (yet!), but I definitely hope to start a family of my own in the near future. I am a proud fur-mom to a kitty named Hello.
What is your favorite STA memory: I have so many amazing memories from my days at STA, it’s nearly impossible to think of a favorite! I was so lucky to have the incredible classmates I had, many of which I’m still friends with today. One of my favorite memories was our class trip to Camp Tecumseh. We had so much fun on that trip, and grew closer as a class and as friends.
What do you like to do in your spare time: I love just about anything where I get to be creative! I enjoy crafting, interior decorating, cooking, party planning, fashion and costumes, seeing live music, festivals, and of course spending time with my friends and family!
What words of advice would you offer a current STA student: “The only way to achieve the impossible, is to believe it is possible.”
Never stop dreaming. Do what you love, and don’t let the negative opinions of others bring you down. Be comfortable with who you are, and don’t be ashamed to show it! Be kind.