The Clarion is excited to introduce a new column called “Alumni Spotlight” showcasing graduates from Hawthorne High School. Next up, HHS alumni Bruce Lewis from the HHS class of 1973.

Clarion: What did you do after high school?

Bruce Lewis: After high school I went to William Paterson College for two years. I then joined the Navy for four years from 1975 -1979.  I began my career in the Navy by going to Navy boot camp in Chicago for eight weeks. I was stationed on U.S.S. Dwight D. Eisenhower and the U.S.S John F. Kennedy. During the time I was in the Navy, I was considered an Aviation Electronics Technician Second Class. After the Navy I continued my education at NJIT, where I completed my degree. My first real job was at the Singer Corporation as a Production Engineer. Although the company has changed names many times I have continued to work there holding many different positions for 33 years.

Clarion: Discuss your decision to join the Navy.

Bruce Lewis: Joining the navy was one of the best experiences in my life and I surely do not regret doing it, although the training was difficult. I traveled to many places like Rome, Egypt. and Greece, and got to see some amazing sites such as St. Peter’s Basilica, Great Pyramids of Giza, and the Parthenon. These beautiful sights were not the only bonus to spending four years in the Navy, but I got to meet some wonderful people as well.

Clarion: What was your experience like at HHS? What events or people impacted you the most while being a student at HHS? And what was your favorite memory at HHS?

Bruce Lewis: One of the most influential people at HHS had to be my high school history teacher, Arthur Groom. Ever since I was young, I always enjoyed learning both world and American history and still to this day I savor the moments that I can watch the History Channel without my family making fun of me. Arthur Groom was not only my high school history teacher, but also my strength and defensive line coach for football. Overall, he had a positive impact on me both in the classroom and on the field and is someone I will never forget. Now, one of the most noteworthy memories of HHS for me, has to be being part of the football team. Many of my friends and I still keep in touch and I am grateful to have them in my life. We share so many memories at football, from the hot summer days at football practices to playing under the Friday night lights with everyone cheering from the stands. Hawthorne football with my friends had been a way for me to escape from all my stresses and responsibilities. In other words, football was something I was passionate about ever since I was little and being able to play for my high school had been an honor.”

Clarion: How have you changed since graduating from HHS?

Bruce Lewis: I have grown and matured so much since high school and one of my greatest accomplishments was adopting my beautiful daughter from China. She has taught me unconditional love and helped me mellow out as I grow older. High school was the building blocks for my future.

Today Bruce is a successful engineer at BAE Systems and has recently remarried in the year of 2015, to his lovely wife Donna Zeuner. He has a busy schedule, whether it is attending his daughter’s volleyball games or cooking a nice home meal for his wife. Despite his chaotic work week, he still manages to watch the New York Jets in his free time. Bruce Lewis is just one of the many prime examples of how HHS has helped guide its students throughout the years to strive for a bright future. With just a little hard work and determination, anything is possible at HHS.