Potato Potahto: Mr. Gonzaga

On Friday March 3rd, the Potato Head was given to a very invested member of the IHPCH staff.  Mr. Harrison Gonzaga, 11th grade advisor and physics teacher was interviewed by IHPCH Voices about receiving the Potato Head and how he feels about it. Read his responses below. We hope you enjoy!

IHPCH Voices: Who did you receive the Potato Head from?

Mr. Gonzaga: I received the Potato Head from Dean Thorpe on last Friday.

IHPCH Voices: Why did Mrs. Thorpe give you the Potato Head?

Mr. Gonzaga: You know, Ms. Thorpe has a huge emotional investment in both the school and the success of the students. Not just on the academic level but in a social emotional level.  She puts a lot of effort in and I respect her for it. She works adjacent to my room, across this way. I never know when I’m really being watched here , but I think she sees how I run my class and she appreciates that I try to teach in like the IHPCH way; like in a way that helps students grow both [academically] and [socio-emotionally].

IHPCH Voices: What was your initial reaction to receiving the Potato Head?

Mr. Gonzaga: Surprised, very much surprised.  I mean like I said, Dean Thorpe, very committed to the school and the students she takes this stuff seriously; she takes the award seriously and you know I never expect to win it. It’s happened a few times but I was like, “Oh wow, me, what are you talking about?” First I felt shocked and then incredibly gracious.

IHPCH Voices: What did they add to the Potato Head and how does it represent you?

Mr. Gonzaga: The thing that they added to the Potato Head was this image of children holding up the world and I think that Ms. Thorpe’s idea was that, as educators, we are responsible for the next generation of human beings who are going to be world citizens. When you invest in children you invest in the future, ultimately; of the planet and of the community.

Congratulations Mr. Gonzaga! We are thankful for your dedicated service to IHPCH students.