BY JADE WILCOX
Keri Hamsher, the newest principal of Wadsworth High School, has been settling into the new position. Hamsher had previously been a principal in the Rittman school district but decided to move into a similar position here in Wadsworth.
“There’s parts of being a principal that are the same everywhere you go, but there are definitely differences in the environment and the culture of every building is different,” Hamsher said.
One thing never changes day to day: attempting to connect with the students and staff of WHS.
Hamsher wishes to get to know students personally, instead of just the casual “hello” nod. She finds herself learning more names and faces every day. Besides that, Hamsher feels that each day is special and unique for her.
“Each day I find myself meeting a new person and talking to a new student or [I’m] trying to remember a thousand names,” Hamsher said. She has also really enjoyed getting to know each of the other three administrators, saying, “They have such passion for the students here and for the school district. It is great to be part of a team!”
Some days she has the opportunity to help instruct students on behavioral changes or she gets to help out in the classroom if a teacher asks for her assistance.
“I prefer to be busy, which makes the day go quicker,” Hamsher said.
Even though she is constantly busy, she still finds time to do the things she enjoys doing. By breeding dogs like Aussiedoodles and Bernedoodles, Bernedoodles being her favorite, she believes in spreading goodness and well-being through the puppies she breeds.
From each of her litters, at least one of the dogs has become a therapy dog. Occasionally, she has brought hypoallergenic puppies to school in the past in order to help with mental health.
‘‘They [the puppies] are sweet and fun and smart. They are super energetic when they’re pups and then they are pretty chill dogs as they grow up.” Hamsher said.
Unfortunately, she will probably not be able to bring any of the puppies to school this year, because, “We [the Hamsher family] currently don’t have any puppies remaining. We won’t have another litter until December.”
The one thing Hamsher is most proud of is how there are so many curricular and extracurriculars for the students here. Hamsher absolutely adores the fact that Wadsworth has so many opportunities for students.
“What Wadsworth schools provide in opportunity for students is amazing and how truly blessed all of you [the students] are to be in a community that gives you so many options to find your passions and interests and to grow those. It’s not everywhere,’’ Hamsher said. “I have only been able to go to a few events so far and all of them have been great! I have really enjoyed seeing the energy of the student body as they support their peers. The excitement that surrounds the school from the community has been amazing to observe as well. I am looking forward to attending many more events as the year progresses!”
