When Teachers Were Students

Here at John Jay, there are many memorable teachers that everyone knows and loves, now highly regarded for their expertise. But what were they like as students in high school themselves? Did they participate in the same activities that students now take part in? What were their favorite memories from high school? After talking to some of John Jay’s educators, here’s a peek into their pasts and a chance to learn a little bit more about them and their high school experiences. 

One of the best ways to get to know a person is to learn what they're interested in. Looking at what sports, clubs, and other student activities people participate in is a good indicator of what things they like. Mrs. Perry, who was a student at John Jay, was on the field hockey, basketball, and soccer teams. Mr. Casey shared, “In Texas, where I grew up in a small town, you have to do everything.” He was a part of his high school’s band, chorus, and theatre club, all while also being on the football team. Another former athlete is Mr. Haaland, who recalled playing both basketball and football when he was a high schooler.

Fashion trends also serve as a unique form of self-expression. When asked about what clothes were popular in high school, Mrs. Perry remembered that “low-rise jeans were a huge thing,” alongside nameplate earrings, white eyeliner, matching Velour jumpsuits, and Timberland boots.

When asked about his favorite high school memory, Mr. Casey recalled playing the lead role in The Music Man as only a junior. He shared, “It really drove me to become basically a teacher and to be on stage, whether that be public speaking, or in Proscenium, or in theatre, I just loved it.”

The high school experience can help shape students into the people they will become in their adult lives. Many of our teachers credit their own high school teachers for guiding and inspiring them. Mr. Haaland, now a math teacher himself, credited his favorite teacher as his math teacher, while Mr. Casey spoke about Mr. Pete, who had such a profound impact on him that he named his first son after him. 

This look into the John Jay teachers’ past helps show us how they were once kids like the current students, and that the lives students lead now can often influence the way we will one day be.