A fellow graduate from the year 2012 has recently joined the staff members and faculty of Hawthorne High School, taking over Mr. Masiak’s World History and US II classes. Twenty-three year old Megan Harris has made her way back to the school that lead her to the position she is in recently.  She attended Fairleigh Dickinson University in Madison, NJ, where she completed her Masters Degree last May. While she was there, she was enrolled in a five-year teaching program called Quest.

She considers herself an avid reader who loves to spend time with her family and friends, most of which are those she made throughout her time at school here in Hawthorne. She spoke a few words regarding her years back here at HHS.

“I am a proud alumni of Hawthorne High School, having graduated in 2012. Thinking back, I always loved history when I was in school.  One of the main reasons I decided to pursue a career in education is because of the teachers I had here. Two people in particular who set my path in stone were Mr. Ward and Mrs. Atkinson Battista, who retired while I was still in school,” said Harris, “I had these two teachers back to back sophomore and junior years in History and both of them pulled me aside to encourage me to seriously consider becoming a history teacher. The fact that my teachers took the time to acknowledge and compliment my ability meant the world to me, and clearly, I took it to heart. I became a teacher because I wanted to give my students the same positive feelings that mine gave me.”

The moment Ms. Harris heard of an open position at HHS, she was overwhelmed with joy. “The thought of starting my career,” stated Harris, “which is a nerve-wracking experience in and of itself, at the place that I received my education, surrounded by people I look up to, is an amazing gift.”

As for her experience so far, she expressed to The Clarion how grateful and appreciative she is for having the opportunity to be a part of our Bear’s family once again, “I have only been here for a short amount of time but I love it! Everyone has been so wonderful helping me get settled. I must add a thank you to Mr. Corvo for taking time out of his schedule before I started to get me acquainted with my responsibilities and helping me in many ways,” added Harris, “The amount of support I have received here since I started is a credit to HHS. The teaching staff is beyond amazing and I’m proud to be associated with all of them, along with the dedicated students I have met so far. I am excited about continuing teaching here and growing as an educator surrounded by people I respect and admire. I consider myself very lucky.”