A unique aspect of Sunnyslope is its commitment to community and preservation of our connectivity.
Sunnyslope has shown its prerogative to perpetuate long standing relationships with students and alumni over the years.
In fact, a considerable amount of modern staff at the school were once Vikings themselves.
Your teachers memorized the halls, forgot deadlines, worked hard, and trudged through the journey that is highschool just like the rest of us are destined.
These teachers and staff members are a gold mine of insight on social progression, culture, education, and technology.
They offer an experience of rarity that is remarkable in that they are presented a near side-by-side comparison on how the youth of a country grows and changes expectations over time.
They have seen these walls torn down and rebuilt in order to reinforce their educational centers. For them, Sunnyslope is like a live time capsule.
Slowly yet drastically changing overtime, showcasing the ebb and flow of youth and educational culture.
Their initial experiences here at Sunnyslope were formative in their relationship with the school.
P.E. Teacher and Badminton Coach Sarah Schlesinger said, “My favorite thing about Sunnyslope [is that] when I went here was being involved in sports and clubs plus all of the traditions.”
Sunnyslope stands out for its remarkable highschool experience.
These staff members hold their memories dear and were each inspired by other Slope staff before them.
Math Teacher and Swim Coach Cameron Licht reminisced on his initial tension with what is now the subject of his mastery.
“It wasn’t until I had Mr. Coury my junior year that I learned to enjoy math and actually want to pursue a degree in it…My senior year teacher Mrs. Pirrone also influenced me to actually want to teach it. Ever since then I’ve wanted to be a teacher that could help kids appreciate learning and expanding their knowledge,” said Licht.
It’s incredible how much the staff has been inspiring other staffers for generations.
Furthermore, the school’s spirit and community is integral to its reputation.
Schlesigner communicated her gratuity that “so many of the traditions have continued as well as the expectations of excellence.”
Licht went as far to point out his love for the “culture and community,” of Sunnyslope and cited it as his gravitation for teaching at his old school.
However, all teachers have different reasons for choosing Sunnyslope.
English Teacher April McNary said, “I wanted to teach at Sunnyslope because I didn’t feel like I ever had a teacher who looked like me. I am ½ Hispanic, and I know how important representation is.”
These teachers all chose Sunnyslope for a reason, but the school has undergone drastic changes since every one of their graduation dates.
When asked about the jarring reconstruction that took place over the past several years, Mcnary said, “The smaller campus, I feel, was always part of Sunnyslope’s charm. It’s humbling that so many want to attend Slope, but it makes the small community aspect shift in a different way.”
While there has been an evolution of the school’s walls, how have the students inside changed? How have their circumstances?
When asked these questions, every teacher gave the same answer.
“Social media and smart technology has completely changed how kids today interact and behave…honestly I feel like it is for the worse in a lot of ways,” said Licht.
Schlesinger and McNary both shared similar remarks about the concern of technology and social media, and its obstruction to education and social skills.
However, these concerns don’t stop these incredibly impressive teachers from stepping up to the plate for the Vikings here at Slope.
Mcnary said, “I try to be the teacher I knew I needed when I was a teenager.”
These teachers’ commitment to education and preservation of the Slope community is awe-inspiring.
Highschool teachers hold the highest potential for influence in a person’s life.
The training wheels are coming off, you have to start thinking for yourself, and any guidance will get you further than you are.
In our formative years, we are lucky to have such wise and able instructive educators to help us grow.
“One piece of advice for students is to enjoy every moment and every day, don’t let the little things get you down,” said Schlesinger.
Highschool can cause a lot of stress, but these moments are fleeting.
These teachers are 3 among the many SHS Alumni that now work on campus. The Slope-grads-turned-teacher are: Justine Simon, Alex Hamill, Keri Mickelson, Heather Wilk, Josh Cunningham, James King, Danielle Cunningham, Darell Preston, Josh Woznicki, Sarah Levine, Jeff Shillington, Ray Portela, Amber Geer, Nate Geer, and Amanda Morari.
Let’s listen to the wisdom of the Vikings before us and be sure to appreciate our privilege to be a Viking.
