SJHHS staff members selected math teacher Nolan Fossum as this year’s Teacher of the Year in a secret ballot at the beginning of February.

Although nominated in the past, this is his first year winning the title.

A total of five teachers were nominated for the position this school year, coming from all departments, including John Baker, Debra Miyamoto, Robert Spiers, and Katie Wegner.

Students agree that what sets Fossum apart from the other teachers at SJHHS is the commitment and dedication that he continuously places into his career as an instructor.

“He really cares about everyone in the class and makes sure that if you need help, he will always be there to give it to you,” said Paige Donaldson (12).

Fossum works hard to develop personal relationships with the people around him and invests much of his time into helping SJHHS students feel comfortable in the courses they are taking.

“I’ve always heard a lot of positive feedback from students in regard to Mr. Fossum from the way he interacts with them to the way he can make the material more accessible,” said teacher, Katie Wegner. “

He is well known around SJHHS as “Awesome Fossum,” a label well deserved and definitely earned. Graduating with a Bachelor of Science from UC Irvine and a Masters degree from California State Fullerton, Fossum brings his knowledge to students while also maintaining a positive learning environment for the kids.

“I really like his personality and his attitude toward things, not only involving math but just everything in general,” said Giavanna Caputo (12).

When asked of his feelings about being honored with the award for the first time, Fossum humbly replied that, “it is a great opportunity to reflect on the wonderful faculty and staff that we have here at SJHHS”.

“I was ecstatic that he was nominated and I’ve actually been able to observe Mr. Fossum in the classroom. So not only do I really care about him on a personal level just as a human being, but also as another colleague who definitely deserved this award,” said Wegner.

The teachers working alongside Fossum also clearly see that he deserved the award more than anyone, all very proud to see him receive such an honorable title.