Nothing encapsulates Victor Senior High more than its English department. The men and women that work to further our student body’s understanding of their mother tongue are all truly remarkable, and a shining light in this rag-tag group of educators is the mythical J-Hawk. (Literally, his gorgeous cranium shines under any direct light.)
In my delightful sit down with Mr. Hawkinson, which spanned a wide range of topics, consisting of the academic rigor of his classes all the way to his favorite shoes, he said to me something that I truly could not disagree with more; “my brain is maybe not that big.”
The story of Hawkinson’s arguably ginormous cerebrum begins with his time as a “failed” actor (his words, not mine.) This brief stint in the world of the dramatic was not in vain as it taught him the valuable lessons he applies daily in the classroom, it’s the reason he’s so “comfortable in front of people” and why he’s “not afraid to make a mistake,” because he knows he’ll learn from it.
This isn’t just talk, either. If you’ve ever been in a class with Mr. Hawkinson it’s clear to see he knows how to handle the pressure. He speaks and teaches with an ease rarely seen in a high school, almost as if he’s a college professor breezing through a lecture.
As one of the few AP lang teachers, that trait comes in real handy. Teaching college level courses is no cake walk and neither is learning it, something Hawkinson isn’t shy about. “There’s more rigor in the actual reading and the expectations for writing quality.” Despite this he wishes more students would take AP classes and encourages them to do so. However, If you do decide to drop in on one of these magnificent lessons you’d see much more than just a man effortlessly teaching high schoolers advanced writing techniques, you’d also be stunned by the best damn pair of sneakers you’ve ever laid eyes on.
J-Hawk can often be seen meandering around the halls sporting a nice dress shirt and tie, a tasteful pair of slacks, and two shoes from the most rambunctious, increasingly fresh lineup of kicks this side of the Victor/Farmington line.
Even after all this, Mr. Hawkinson sits unsatisfied on a throne of books and high-tops, for he has one more kingdom to conquer; the theater department. As a former actor, who better to take charge in assembling Victor’s impressive productions? Hawkinson, accompanied by his partner in crime Mr. Caughlin, is the driving force behind the school’s impressive musicals and plays.
Hawkinson is so passionate in fact, that if given the chance he would opt to be “solely a theater teacher.” Teaching theater provides a unique challenge, especially as an extracurricular. It’s a mighty big and stressful job to get a production together in such little time, but it’s a job Hawk accepts with grace and a frightening amount of excitement.
J-Hawk has an innate ability to bring that same excitement to everything he does. Whether it’s his daily bike ride to school, each of his AP Lang lessons, or even just our weekly conversations about nothing in particular, Mr. Hawkinson always has enthusiasm. His whimsy is infectious and he’s never once failed to make me feel cared for. He’s like no other man I’ve ever met and Victor Senior High is damn lucky to have him. Thank you J-Hawk, but I still have to disagree, your brain is very big.
