Thirteen of Haverhill High’s future teachers received a unique honor Thursday from their Hillie peers and faculty members at the school’s first annual “signing day” ceremony, held to recognize their achievements and wish them well as they officially announced their intentions to pursue a career in teaching at area colleges.
Haverhill High Principal Glenn Burns, Superintendent Margaret Marotta joined Brian Devine from the state’s Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, along with family members and representatives from the students’ chosen colleges to celebrate the seniors as they signed letters of intent to their respective schools.
Burns told the students, set to graduate on May 31, he hopes they never forget their brown and gold roots. “I know my children will be in good hands with great people like you in front of them teaching and I’m proud to call you my colleagues in a few short years.”
Also during Thursday’s event, students took time during Teacher Appreciation Week to recognize those educators who were instrumental in inspiring their career path.
Prior to heading to the Massachusetts College of Art and Design to major in art education, Mary Miller applauded Haverhill High’s Mrs. Mullane, while Brenna Sullivan had Jay Fiorentini—a 2002 HHS grad who now teaches at the school—stand next to her as she inked her letter of intent to attend Southern New Hampshire University in the fall.
Marotta told the students to focus on the positives as they pursue their dreams of a career in the classroom.
“Unfortunately I think teaching is an underappreciated profession in many ways, but it’s so personally rewarding and such a wonderful opportunity. I want to thank you and wish you all the best in the future.”
Jami Dion, Haverhill High’s director of guidance and student support services, hopes the event is the first of many, telling WHAV after the ceremony it was a welcome change to highlight students for reasons in addition to athletics. “Each student has their own individual story: Some want to teach high school math, some art school, others preschool. Just to put the spotlight on those students and to also recognize the teachers who have helped them on that path is so meaningful.”
Emma Atwood was unable to attend Thursday’s ceremony but plans to attend the University of New England to major in elementary education, Dion said.
FOR PHOTOS OF THE FUTURE TEACHERS, CLICK THROUGH WHAV’S PHOTO GALLERY BELOW!
