New Year, New Faces: Part 2
Over this past summer, we welcomed many new faces to LuHi’s teaching staff. We are so excited to introduce our new faculty members to you in this series throughout the next few weeks. Read on to get to know Mr. Smitelli and Mrs. Hughes a little better!
Mr. Noah Smitelli, Science Department
What college(s) did you attend and what did you study?
Stony Brook University (Physics and Business)
What is your favorite thing about teaching in your subject area?
The application of all the different formulas.
Can you share an interesting/little known fact about yourself?
I have a collection of “cool” socks
What are your interests/hobbies outside of teaching? Volleyball, board games and game strategy, and eating delicious food
What is your favorite book/movie/TV show and why? CBS “Survivor” because I think it has the greatest game design ever made!
What is your favorite memory from middle or high school? Riding a hovercraft in Physics class!
What was your favorite class when you were in middle/high school? Physics
Which of LuHi’s core values (Christian love, excellence, community, family) most resonates with you and why? I think they all tie into each other well, but I think I resonate most with community I love being able to create and be a part of an environment that everyone feels welcome and comfortable in.
What are you looking forward to as you step into this role or for the school year in general? I am looking forward to seeing the students reach their full potential.
What do you hope students learn or gain from your courses this year? Problem solving, and an understanding of why/how things are happening in the world around them.
Mrs. Kasey Hughes, Mathematics Department
What college(s) did you attend and what did you study? I went to SUNY Old Westbury for my Bachelor’s in Math and CW Post for my Master’s in Education.
What is your favorite thing about teaching in your subject area? There is always an answer to a problem, but there are many ways to get there!
Can you share an interesting/little known fact about yourself? I just had my son Everett this past February. He’s 7 months old and I cannot picture my life without him!
What are your interests/hobbies outside of teaching? I love to bake, go for walks, and spend time at the beach.
What is your favorite book/movie/TV show and why? I love “Friends” and sad to say most of the shows on Bravo.
What is your favorite holiday? Absolutely Christmas! I think it is just a wonderful time to be with family and those you love.
What is your favorite memory from middle or high school? Just being able to spend so much time with my friends in school and through sports and extracurricular activities.
How did your high school experience prepare you for college? I feel like I learned how to manage my time really well in high school which was crucial for college.
Which of LuHi’s core values (Christian love, excellence, community, family) most resonates with you and why? Family is the biggest thing; we spend so much of our time at school with our coworkers and students that it becomes a second family to the ones we have at home. I think it’s great to have that atmosphere in the school.
What does LuHi mean to you? LuHi means coming into a very welcoming school with a family atmosphere where everyone just supports one another and simply wants the best for everyone. I’m honored to be here.