Aleksandra Mondrzik ('23) & Milan Naropanth ('23)
With the fresh start of the 2022-2023 school year, Lawrence High School welcomed new students entering the high school with new student orientation on August 31st. While there are new students, we also have new teachers who have been adjusting as well. They have even attended an orientation of their own. One attendee included The Lawrencian’s new advisor Ms. Cramer! To welcome the new hires, members of the Lawrencian have asked them to provide some information about themselves.
Ms. Cramer - School Library Media Specialist
What was your favorite subject in high school?
Cramer: American History.
Why did you decide to become a teacher?
Cramer: I've always loved the library and wanted to work with teenagers, so I combined the two and became a School Media Specialist!
What do you do when not teaching?
Cramer: I love to read, to create and upcycle things, to travel, and to meet new people. I have 1 dog (Queenie), 3 cats (Mosby, Johnny, and Uncle Herb) and two birds (Kiwi and Daisy). I wasn't allowed to have the pets I wanted as a child and I may have gone too far in overcompensating!
Mr. Foster - English I, English I Honors, Publications/Journalism
What was your favorite subject in high school?
Foster: English.
Why did you decide to become a teacher?
Foster: I always loved reading and writing as a student, and teaching gave me that way of connecting and collaborating with young readers and writers.
What do you do when not teaching?
Foster: I am a manager at Rita's Water Ice! I have been there for 8 years! I also enjoy binging shows on Netflix and Hulu, reading in my free time, and walking my dog, Macy.
Ms. Steere - Modern World Civilization and Principles of Economics
What was your favorite subject in high school?
Steere: Social Studies, but especially civics classes!
Why did you decide to become a teacher?
Steere: Because I want to help my students become the best versions of themselves, and help them learn the tools to understand the world and empower them to use their knowledge to make it a better place!
What do you do when not teaching?
Steere: I just took in the most adorable little calico kitten named Piper, so she's taking up a lot of my time! I love listening to music, going to concerts, and making Spotify playlists. I'm also a big fan of reading, hiking, listening to podcasts, watching TV, and crocheting.
Ms. Khanna - ESL
What was your favorite subject in high school?
Khanna: Zoology.
Why did you decide to become a teacher?
Khanna: It brings me satisfaction and happiness. For me teaching is not a profession, but a way to give back to society.
What do you do when not teaching?
Khanna: If I am not teaching, I am spending time with my family. My hobbies are reading, listening to music, traveling and cooking. I have a dog, named Dasher.
Ms. Burd - English II and English IV
What was your favorite subject in high school?
Burd: English.
Why did you decide to become a teacher?
Burd: I had a teacher who inspired me to teach by bringing fun and a positive atmosphere to the classroom.
What do you do when not teaching?
Burd: When I'm not teaching, I love playing softball, hiking, and trying out new restaurants. I also love playing with my dog, Buddy.
Mr. Bernstein - Business courses
What was your favorite subject in high school?
Bernstein: Physical education.
Why did you decide to become a teacher?
Bernstein: I'm an old Wall St guy, I retired early and I was looking for a way to give back.
What do you do when not teaching?
Bernstein: Keep old trucks running, manage portfolios and try to beat the market, keep up with my 5 grown kids. We have two German Shepherds.
Mr. Prehn - Daily Living Skills, Career Exploration, Transition Skills for Independence, American Civilization 1
What was your favorite subject in high school?
Prehn: History.
Why did you decide to become a teacher?
Prehn: I wasn't satisfied with the jobs I had in my early 20s. I decided to go back to college to pursue teaching so that I could have a more meaningful career.
What do you do when not teaching?
Prehn: When not teaching, I enjoy playing the bass guitar, painting miniatures, spending time with friends, and playing computer games. My friends and I formed a cover band over the summer and have been rehearsing together once a week. I have a silver labrador, named Stormy, who lives with my mom and dad.
Mr. Czepiga - Biology and Environmental Science
What was your favorite subject in high school?
Czepiga: Science.
Why did you decide to become a teacher?
Czepiga: I have always enjoyed teaching and coaching and teaching gave me the Avenue to do both.
What do you do when not teaching?
Czepiga: I enjoy hanging out with my wife and 11 month year old daughter. In my free time I like to learn new skills and I also enjoy watching movies, playing video games, traveling, anything college football.
Ms. McGarry - English II and English III
What was your favorite subject in high school?
McGarry: The obvious answer is English! But I also loved my psychology and art classes.
Why did you decide to become a teacher?
McGarry: Some of the most impactful people in my life have been my teachers. So much of my growth as a human has been molded and propelled by teachers who believed in me. I am inspired by my teachers who have helped shape me and want to lead by their example.
What do you do when not teaching?
McGarry: If I am not teaching, then I am probably reading, doodling in my bullet journal, playing guitar, or exploring nature trails with my dog, Lacey.
Mr. Williams - Photography, Videography and TV Studio
What was your subject in high school?
Williams: History.
Why did you decide to become a teacher?
Williams: I love working with students. I spent the previous five years as a teacher’s assistant. I wanted to try to give back by giving students the type of learning experience I didn’t have growing up.
What do you do when not teaching?
Williams: Reading, watching wrestling, basketball, football and spending time with my son, Cameron.
If you see any new teachers in the hallways, make sure they feel welcomed!
We also tested all new teachers of Lawrence High School on their trivia knowledge of our school. Here are their results:
(T/F): Lawrence High School has 3 floors. 38% correct
(T/F): Lawrence High School has a secret room above the stage. 44% correct
(T/F): The mascot of Lawrence High School is named Larry. 75% correct
(T/F): Lawrence High School has two gyms. 50% correct