Scholastic ‘legend’ Sheila Vaughan retires after three decades

Sheila Vaughan has retired from Scholastic after 31 years as office manager, with Catherine Bell, group managing director of Scholastic UK, paying tribute to her “immense contribution”.

Vaughan first joined Scholastic from Andre Deutsch in 1992, beginning her career working for David Fickling in Scholastic’s Camden offices before guiding the company through three office moves – to New Oxford Street, then on to Euston House and, in 2022, to One London Bridge. Vaughan will be succeeded by new office and administration support Jasmine Adekunle.

The publisher says Vaughan “took pride in welcoming every arrival and managed the smooth running of office life.

“Embodying the Scholastic spirit, if there was a job to do – no matter how big or small – Sheila would help wholeheartedly; all with her trademark professionalism, courtesy and patience,” it goes on. “Over the years, many authors and illustrators have expressed their appreciation of Sheila including in the acknowledgements of their books – most recently Jay McGuiness in Blood Flowers and Liz Pichon in Tom Gates: Book of Everything, publishing in May.”

The Scholastic London office gathered to celebrate Vaughan in March. A leaving book, which saw an “unprecedented response”, was presented to Vaughan, with “good wishes pouring in” from authors, illustrators, agents, partners, former and current colleagues. Illustrator Axel Scheffler gave her a special illustration of Stick Man.

Vaughan said: “It seems only moments since I first walked through the doors of Scholastic. Over 30 years, I have worked with so many incredible people past and present – authors, illustrators, colleagues and especially Catherine Bell, a wonderful leader in publishing and someone I will never forget. I am very touched by all the messages in my leaving book – and was amazed when Axel Scheffler and Liz Pichon kindly gave me personalised pictures. I will treasure these and all the happy memories of Scholastic.”  

Bell said: “I have had the pleasure of working with Sheila for one of her three Scholastic decades. During her career, Sheila has welcomed us and all our treasured authors, illustrators and partners every single day. She never forgets a face and treats everyone with the same warmth and charm. With her kindness, efficiency and dedication, Sheila set the tone for our visitors to Scholastic but also for how we treat each other and approach our work. I know I speak for us all when I thank Sheila for being an incredible inspiration, colleague and friend.”