The first day of high school: a day that, year after year, bombards new students with unfamiliar classes, crowded hallways, and a sea of new faces. Students nervously haul oversized backpacks through seemingly foreign territory, shouldering through a first day they will never forget.

For some, however, the first day of high school happens twice.

Kimberly Fricke experienced her first day of high school once again, this time as a Chemistry and Dynamic Earth Science (DES) teacher here at NNHS.

Having taught at Washington Junior High School (WJHS) prior to her career at the high school, Fricke said that although WJHS is a mere fraction of NNHS, she sees the same undeniable drive of students at both schools.

“The rigor in the classrooms and what’s expected of students is very similar, but just in a magnified way,” Fricke said.

A University of Illinois Graduate, chemistry enthusiast, and woman of many passions such as cooking and running, Fricke was attracted to the electric atmosphere she knows is present at NNHS.

“I just love the energy that I see in the hallways and classrooms,” Fricke said.

The same energy drew 16 more new teachers to NNHS. In addition to Fricke, NNHS welcomed Alicia Ash (Student Services), Brady DeNio (Science), Colleen Kerrigan (Science), Amanda Wisniewski (Science),  Megan Doherty (CTE), Dana Klen (CTE), Jacquelyn Fabian (Communication Arts), Thomas Parry (Communication Arts), Clinton Hunter (Wellness), Phoebe Conner (Special Education), Kristen Massoni (Special Education), Brian Webb (Special Education), Rafal Kuklinski (Social Studies), Don Stinson (Fine Arts), Janet Taylor (Fine Arts),  and Kim Kedziora (Math).

Clinton Hunter, the newest member of the wellness department, attended his second first-day of high school this August as a health teacher. An NNHS graduate, Hunter prides the school’s ability to mold opportunities to fit the interests of all students.

“There are 150 different clubs and activities, and there’s multiple sports teams,” Hunter said. “There’s really something for every kid here.”

In addition to his family, basketball, cross-fit training, and working with the special education program, Hunter is passionate about his job.

“I get to do what I love every day,” Hunter said.

Both teachers hope to contribute to the success and achievement of NNHS and its student body this upcoming year. They aspire to be thought of by their students in a positive light.

“I want to be remembered as the teacher that cares about [the students] even more than what I am teaching them,” Hunter said. “I think it’s important because as soon as they see you are invested into them, they will start investing into you.”