Across from the office at THS is the F-hall, or as others call it, the science hall. There are six teachers located in this hall and the science classes include biology, environmental science, anatomy, earth science, physics, chemistry, and astronomy.
Mrs. Burton is one of the science teachers who many of the students love. “I love Mrs. Burton because when I see her, she puts me in a good mood and brightens my day,” sophomore Makenzie Miller said. Burton teaches earth science and astronomy this year, but she has also taught biology and anatomy in the past.
Her first year at THS was in 1999 and she was here for three years until having her daughter. She ended up coming back to THS in 2020 and has been here ever since. Burton has taught 8th grade and up but enjoys teaching 9th graders the most. “I like the 9th graders because of their energy and the fact that they are not too comfortable yet,” Burton said.
Mr. Bowman is the biology teacher at THS. He mostly teaches sophomores and enjoys building relationships with the students he has in his classes. “I like Mr. Bowman because he is always energetic,” sophomore Lauren Gauldin said. He has been teaching science at THS for four years and this year makes his fifth. “Enjoy your high school years because once you leave, the drama doesn’t matter anymore and nothing really happened,” Bowman said to motivate students.
Both Burton and Bowman are in charge of after school clubs. Burton is in charge of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA). FCA is a Christian organization that supports athletes while having a weekly devotion. “We are a light for Jesus in school and the community,” Burton said.
Bowman is a head of the student council (SCA) at THS. This club is responsible for class officers, homecoming, kings court, spirit week, and other events students have. “[Running this club and teaching] takes a lot of time and dedication. You must be willing to sacrifice family time,” Bowman said.
Mr. Emerson is one of the teachers who is also a coach. Emerson teaches mostly upper level chemistry and physics but has also taught biology and earth science. He became a science teacher because it was just easy for him to learn. He had not planned on becoming a teacher until after college. “A friend from Gretna High School said that he needed a science teacher and the rest is history,” Emerson said. After school hours, Emerson also coaches track and cross country. He either coaches them in the same school year or alternates track and cross country. He has been doing this and teaching for over 20 years now.
Mr. Sanom is the other science teacher who also balances coaching. Sanom has been at THS for seven years and this is his second year with science. He teaches earth science to the freshman class. “9th graders have their unique challenges, and they are still young,” Sanom said. Not only is Sanom a teacher, but a soccer coach as well. He has coached soccer ever since he graduated college except when he was in the army. Coaching while teaching can be challenging for Sanom, but he puts forth his best effort and still enjoys it.
Ms. Brown is the advanced biology and environmental science teacher this school year. She teaches mostly sophomores and seniors. She came to THS in the fall of 2015 and this is her ninth year being here. Brown grew up on a farm and was always outside when growing up. This is what made her interested in science. Even though she works at the high school, she does things for the middle school as well. The agriculture teacher at TMS is Brown’s mom and they both own 21 horses in total. They will bring two horses for the students at TMS and THS and give a lesson about them. “I was born and raised around horses and they are a huge part of my life,” Brown said.
Mrs. Kirby teaches many different science classes this semester including biology, AP biology, and anatomy. For fifteen years she taught chemistry, but when she moved to THS in 2019 her science classes varied. Her favorite class to teach is AP biology with the juniors and seniors. “It is challenging but rewarding when they get what is going on,” Kirby said. Many of the students enjoy Kirby’s energy throughout the school year. “Mrs Kirby is a very enthusiastic and bubbly person. She always makes me laugh,” sophomore Caroline Clay said. Kirby is the head of the ACE Bowl, which is a team where students compete by answering very diverse trivia questions. It is a great way to make friends and gives you an opportunity to be on a team.
The science hall has many great teachers who love their students and make you feel welcome. Even though they have a lot on their plate, they still can balance teaching through it all. The next time you pass by the science hall, stop by and appreciate all the hard work the teachers do for the students and the school.
