Editors Note: The Clarion is excited to introduce a new column called “Alumni Spotlight” showcasing graduates from Hawthorne High School. First up, HHS alumni Eric Van Tine from the class of 2008.

Clarion Interviewer: Where did you go to college? What did you major in?

Van Tine: I went to college in New York to a school named Mount Saint Vincent University, and I majored in business management. In my last year of college I transferred to William Paterson University to finish my degree.

Clarion Interviewer: What did you do after high school?

Van Tine: After high school I went on to continue playing basketball in college, and got into coaching, as well as personal training. I am now a graduate student at Montclair State University working on my masters in Physical Education to become a P.E. and Health teacher.

Clarion Interviewer: What events or people impacted you the most while being an HHS student?

Van Tine: Mr. Van Winkle is my hero!

Clarion Interviewer: What was your favorite memory at HHS?

Van Tine: My favorite high school memories were the good times I shared with my friends, as well as the game in which I scored my 1,000th point to become the first male in our schools history to accomplish that milestone.

Clarion Interviewer: How have you changed since graduating from HHS?

Van Tine: Since I left Hawthorne High, I’ve gotten a little bit older and a little bit wiser while still attempting to stay as young for as long as I can.