New Year, New Faces: Part 1
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. Today, we are excited to feature Mr. Joseph Barracato and Ms. Olivia Piazza! Read on to get to know Mr. Barracato and Ms. Piazza a little better.
Mr. Joseph Barracato, Resource Department Chair
What college(s) did you attend and what did you study? Pace University, BA in Criminal Justice; Pace University, MA in Special Education
What is your favorite thing about teaching in your subject area? I enjoy supporting my students and helping them reach their full potential
What are your interests/hobbies outside of teaching? I enjoy athletics, coaching, carpentry/woodwork, outdoor
What is your favorite holiday? I like Thanksgiving…good food, fellowship, family, friends, and football!
What is your favorite memory from middle or high school? Winning a baseball state championship
Which of LuHi’s core values (Christian love, excellence, community, family) most resonates with you and why? Christian Love – this quality ties all of the other values together and encompasses each value of LuHi.
What are you looking forward to as you step into this role or for the school year in general? I hope my students will gain the confidence to make mistakes and learn from them as they develop into lifelong learners. I hope my students will learn to persevere through difficulties and find things they are passionate about.
Mrs. Olivia Piazza, Visual Arts Department
What college(s) did you attend and what did you study?
Gordon College – BFA in Art and a minor in Business; Gordon College – MA in Art Education; Currently attending Concordia University – Chicago for a doctorate in School Administration
Can you share an interesting/little known fact about yourself?
I once dyed my hair brown and it was a terrible idea.
What are your interests/hobbies outside of teaching?
Painting, drawing, doing anything outside, reading spending time with family and friends
What is your favorite book/movie/TV show and why?
The OC because it makes me feel nostalgic.
What is your favorite holiday and why?
Christmas because it’s so cheerful and I get to spend time with my family.
Which of LuHi’s core values (Christian love, excellence, community, family) most resonates with you and why?
Family – because being part of a group of people that love one another well is incredibly important and fulfilling.
What does LuHi mean to you?
LuHi has been such a place of hope for me – the people and values of LuHi are such a light.
What are you looking forward to as you step into this role or for the school year in general?
I am so excited to get to know my students and the staff here better.
What do you hope students learn or gain from your courses this year?
That they are important, that they are capable of doing hard and good things, and that they are talented!
