During the new 2013-2014 school year, Kelly Hawruk has become a welcomed addition to the HHS staff. Hawruk is now teaching two of the new electives brought to HHS this year, History of Human Behavior and Law: Rights and Responsibilities.

Hawruk received her education at Western New England University in Massachusetts for law. Prior to teaching at HHS, Hawruk was a trial attorney and represented business owners and individuals in various areas of civil and criminal matters. As an attorney, she always enjoyed giving lectures and presentations. However, she said that, although she enjoyed being a lawyer, she felt that teaching was her true calling. The inspiration for her career shift was when she was a mock trial mentor to 7th and 8th grade students for the NJ Bar Association Completion. The 7th grade students she mentored won the state championship and her 8th grade students received honorable mention.

Hawruk has been really enjoying her teaching experience at HHS. She said, “The teachers, staff and administration at Hawthorne High School have been great, very welcoming and supportive. I am so pleased to be a part of the school and have no regrets about my career change.  The students have so much school spirit here at Hawthorne; it is contagious!”

Hawruk also expressed her appreciation for The Clarion and how it helped guide her, “I learned so much about Hawthorne High from The Clarion; it is really professional and a great source of information.”