Last year, students walking into the classroom of Chemistry teacher Mrs. Lewis were received by more than a single face – the new Mr. Powell had arrived at Vestal High School. He was shadowing Mrs. Lewis, gaining knowledge and hands-on experience in the classroom. The very next year, when his mentor, Mrs. Lewis, would take an extended leave, he would use what he had learned from her to start independently teaching for the first time.
Originally from Long Island, he had first moved to Vestal to attend Binghamton University, from where he graduated with an undergraduate degree in Chemistry and a graduate degree in adolescent teaching. Mr. Powell stated that Vestal was similar to his hometown in terms of the size and suburban setting of the area. However, he was enjoying the “nature aspect” of the area, especially at the Nature Preserve in Binghamton University, which contrasted with the gray buildings of Long Island. About his undergraduate degree, Mr. Powell said, “It was a lot of work, but I was able to make friends in the same major as me who helped me out.” During this time, he also continued participating in the sport he had been playing since age 9 – swimming. (No, indeed, he has never played basketball, despite being 6’3.)
During his first year in the building, he said that the chemistry department was really welcoming, adding that “Mrs. Lewis was a great role model.” He also complimented Mr. Arbuiso for helping him out now, in the absence of his original mentor. “He’s great, has a happy heart, and is very optimistic,” Mr. Powell stated. Relating to his interactions with his students these days, he admitted that while he likes teaching them, he’s not always in on all the jokes that go on between them. For instance, without fail, whenever he would count any numbers for chemistry, people would giggle, and there would be at least one person doing the manual demonstration when he turned around.
Unfortunately, with Mrs. Lewis set to return next year and no current chemistry teachers retiring, Mr. Powell is only teaching at Vestal Central School District for this year. Next year, another institution will be receiving the new teacher, who no doubt will be missed by students and staff alike for the time, effort, and memories that he has contributed to this school.