A graduate of Stephen Decatur High School, Mrs. Ari Johnson is now serving in her 24th year as an educator. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Education from the University of Maryland Eastern Shore and a Master of Education in School Counseling from, then, Wilmington College, now University.
“I knew I wanted to become a teacher after my first-grade teacher, Mrs. Phillips, showed a keen interest in me and made me feel special. My passion for teaching was further fueled by African American teachers like Dr. Mark Bowen and Mrs. Liaina Mapp (to name a few) who recognized my potential, challenged and poured into me on an academic and personal level. Having teachers who looked like me who I could emulate and relate to was powerful. However, none of that would have mattered if it weren’t for my parents who set a firm foundation with the expectation that I would always excel academically and not settle for less than I could do or deserve.
Students: recognize and stand confidently in who you are and not seek validation from others because your worth isn’t determined by what others think of you. You will frustrate and fail yourself by constantly trying to achieve the measure of someone else’s standard and expectation. Even when obstacles arise, stay committed to your goals and use the gifts that you’ve been uniquely blessed with to fulfill your purpose in this journey called life.”
Mr. Tatum Townsend is a graduate of Arcadia High School who is in his 15th year of teaching. The first 5 years were spent in Virginia and the last 10 have been in Maryland. He received a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education (K-6) from Salisbury University along with a Middle School Mathematics Certification. In 2022 he completed his master's degree in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Phoenix.
“My reason for teaching was so that I could give back to my community and be a positive role model for students that looked like myself. It can be difficult for young people to see the need of excelling in an area that has little to no examples. I wanted to be that representation for them.”
We can't wait to hear from SHHS Class of 1999 Alum Dr. Annette Wallace as our Home to the Hill Honor Alumni Speaker next month!
Mrs. Shelonda Townsend, a graduate of Pocomoke High School, serves as the Social Worker for Snow Hill High School. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Rehabilitation Services and a master’s degree in Social Work. She also has a Clinical Social Work License in Maryland and Virginia.
“I became interested in becoming a School Social Worker because I enjoy supporting children and having the opportunity to help them where they are. Doing this work fulfills my inherent belief that counseling and support should be accessible.
My words of advice to students: Take advantage of your time and support here at school. Focus on your goals. Develop a strong support system with like-minded individuals. Keep going even when the going gets tough.
Big thanks to Berlin/Ocean City Optimist Club for championing high school arts! Congrats to the talented winners from Snow Hill High School. Your support uplifts our community! 🎨🎭 #ArtsEducation #CommunitySupport #SoaringEagles
Fans, please see the graphic below regarding expectations for tonight's game...#EaglesSoar #Sportsmanship
Mrs. Melarie Brown, graduate of Salisbury Christian School, is a Kindergarten teacher at Showell Elementary School. She has worked in the field of education for eight years and holds a dual degree in Early Childhood Education and Special Education from York College of Pennsylvania. Furthering her academic journey, she earned a master's degree in Educational Leadership from Salisbury University and is currently pursuing a doctoral degree in the same field at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore.
“My journey in education was sparked by my first-grade teacher, Mrs. Ball. Her unwavering kindness and support inspired me to embark on a path where I could pay forward the same warmth and encouragement to future generations. Each day I strive to make every student in my classroom feel valued and cherished.
If I could offer a piece of advice to students, it would be this: embrace your own confidence and use it to uplift others. In a world where societal standards and social media often dictate unrealistic expectations, staying true to oneself is paramount. Remember, the right people will be drawn to your authenticity. So, keep envisioning, keep discovering, and above all, keep being uniquely you.”
Jeff Postell is a Physical Educator at Snow Hill Elementary and has been an educator for 13 years. He is a husband and proud father of 3 children that all attend Snow Hill Area Schools. Jeff Postell earned a football scholarship to Delaware State University where he became a Conference Champion in 2008. He had three NFL tryouts and was invited to NY Giants minicamp in 2009. Jeff Postell is a dynamic educator who builds relationships and provides meaningful learning experiences because he believes that “ALL” students are capable of success!
🎓👮♂️ Today, we celebrate School Resource Officer Day! 🎉
School resource officers play a vital role in our education settings and the creation of community schools. 🏫 Their presence fosters a safe and secure environment where students can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.
On this special day, let's recognize and appreciate the dedication and commitment of our School Resource Officers. Thank you for your service and for making our schools safer, welcoming, and inclusive places for all! 🌟 #SchoolResourceOfficerDay #CommunitySchools #SafeSchools
Join us on Wednesday, February 21 as panelist/graduates of Worcester Jr. & Sr. High School share their educational experiences with the school for African Americans from Worcester County and surrounding areas. Visit the following link to register: http://tinyurl.com/SHHSPanel
First Sergeant Eddie B. Chea was born December 30th, 1980 in Liberia, West Africa. He moved to the United States with his family at age 11, and settled in Silver Spring, Maryland. First Sergeant Chea attended Benjamin Banneker Middle School in Burtonville, Maryland. Upon completing junior high school, he attended Sherwood High School in Olney, Maryland where he graduated in 1999. Shortly after graduating high school, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and went on to serve for 22 years before retiring in 2021. He graduated from Park University (Parkville, Missouri) with a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice Administration in 2007. In 2016, he graduated with a master’s degree in Organizational Leadership from Robert Morris University (Moon Township, PA). First Sergeant Chea has three children, Eddie Jr. (EJ) 19, Chloe 11, and Cameron 9. He currently serves as the Marine Instructor (MI) for the Snow Hill High School Marine Corps JROTC. He enjoys spending time with his kids, running, lifting weights, traveling, and watching live sporting events.
Mrs. Veronica Hayes is a graduate of Snow Hill High School. Mrs. Hayes started her career as an elementary school counselor for 8 years and is currently serving in her 4th year as a school counselor at Stephen Decatur High School. She received her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Salisbury University, a Master's in School Counseling (K-12) from the University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES), and MSDE Administrator I Certified.
“I was inspired to become a school counselor when Dr. Jim Henderson and Ms. Kathy Vail recruited me to become a peer mediator in 4th grade at Snow Hill Middle School. I continued being a peer mediator throughout middle school and high school. I became a school counselor to make a difference in my student's lives whether that be by simply giving them support that they might not have in their lives or helping them make changes to better themselves and their future. I love being able to be the one that helps empower students to face their problems and grow up as individuals.
Words of Wisdom: Always stay true to yourself and never let what somebody else says distract you from your goals.”
In her 21st year of teaching, Ms. Kimberly Dorn teaches English at Snow Hill High School. She has taught grades 3, 4, 5, 6, 9 and 12. Most of her undergraduate studies were completed at Hampton University before eventually graduating from Salisbury University with a degree in Elementary Education. She later earned a master’s degree from the University of Phoenix in Educational Leadership.
“I always knew that I wanted to be a teacher because I love learning, I love kids, and I love making a difference. If I could offer one piece of advice to students it would be to always strive to be better today than you were yesterday, and to be better tomorrow than you are today.”
📚 Ready to conquer the SAT? Test Day is approaching! Stay focused, review your prep materials, and believe in your abilities. You've got this! 💪 #SATtest #PreparationIsKey 📝✨
Come meet the Counseling Department and Administration Team to learn about Snow Hill High School, scheduling, athletics and elective programs for the Class of 2028!
Mrs. Tasha Hoffler, a graduate of Northampton High School, is a Family & School Connections Facilitator for Worcester County Public Schools. She has worked in various parts of the county for the last 10 years, including Pocomoke area schools along with Showell and Ocean City Elementary. She is a graduate of Old Dominion University and has a master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy. “I have always loved working with children. I am passionate about helping kids be successful and productive not only in school but also outside of school.” I believe “each kid is one caring adult away from being a success story.” Author Unknown
Snow Hill Families! Come out to Byrd Park tomorrow to meet the WoW Bus during the early dismissal day from 1-3pm to catch up on your homework and have a yummy S'more! Use the link below to register!
https://forms.office.com/r/zmpnxRkm96
Don't forget the Q2 incentive is tomorrow! Ask your teachers if you are on the list. Come get your cupcake during your lunch shift!
Juniors! Take advantage of this AMAZING FREE SAT Boot Camp opportunity! To register, quick the link below! This is for Juniors only!
https://forms.office.com/r/Hav7cbJwq9
Ms. Andrese Foreman, a Stephen Decatur High School graduate, is now a third-grade teacher at Ocean City Elementary School who teaches are reading, writing, language, and social studies. She earned a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Towson University and a master’s degree in Reading and Literacy from Walden University.
“My second-grade teacher inspired me to become an educator! She helped me develop a love for learning, especially reading! She helped build my confidence. She consistently encouraged me to try my best and praised my good efforts! This is something that I try to do for my students daily to boost their confidence, by highlighting their strengths. My words of advice for you are, “When you’re in a growth mindset, what that means is that you choose to see struggle and challenge as an opportunity for growth and for learning and development”- Chris Bertram
