In a touching twist of fate, the halls of Lakeview High School are set to welcome back one of their own. Just four years after donning a cap and gown, Morgan Jankovich is returning to the district, but this time as a teacher.
Jankovich, a 2020 graduate of Lakeview High, has taken up the role as the new Biology teacher for eighth grade, Freshmen, and Sophomore students. After earning her bachelors in Integrated Science at Kent State University, she decided to come back to her roots and give back to the community that shaped her formative years.
“I am so excited to be returning to Lakeview. I have always taken so much pride in the school and community I grew up in and I feel honored to be given the opportunity to be a part of Lakeview’s teaching staff because I remember how much my Lakeview teachers made an impact on me, and now I get to work alongside so many of them,” Jankovich responds.
With the addition of Jankovich, new perspectives and innovative teaching methods she acquired through her years as a student are now brought into the classroom of her own. Her enthusiasm and familiarity with the school culture are expected to make her transition smooth and impactful.
Sophomore Maddy Ruddy says, “She has helped us learn something new by making it easy for us to understand the subject. And not only does she teach it, she gives us materials so we can work on it at our own pace.”
The return of Jankovich has sparked a wave of enthusiasm among students and staff. Many of her former teachers, now colleagues, recall back to when she was a student of their own.
Chemistry teacher Joshua Murphy states, “She was a great student. Hard-working. Smart. Got involved with school activities. Leader amongst her peers. One of my favorite kids in school and I am super excited to have her on staff at Lakeview.”
Her students are equally excited about having a teacher who understands their experiences firsthand.
Freshman Sienna Terry remarks, “When I’m in Miss Jankovich’s, I really have fun when she is engaged with the class. I’m a visual learner and Miss Jankovich really nails it when she is teaching.”
As the new school year has begun, Jankovich is busy starting her year off well with her new students and is eager to embark on this new chapter. “My experience has been great so far. Staff and students included have gone above and beyond to make me feel welcomed and supported. I feel like all of my fellow teachers and administrators want me to succeed and have made me feel like they are just as excited that I am back, which has definitely eased a lot of anxiety while starting my new job,” Jankovich claims.
Her story serves as an inspiring reminder of the impact that dedicated educators can have and the lasting bonds formed within a school community.
“It’s honestly so hard to only choose one person from Lakeview that influenced me to become a teacher. But if I had to choose 2 teachers that influenced me the most in high school to get a degree in education, I would choose Mr. Murphy and Mrs. Hogue. Between the 2 of them, I wanted to be a mix of the fun science teacher that Murphy is and the girl boss teacher that Mrs. Hogue is,” Jankovich comments.
For Lakeview High School, the return of Morgan Jankovich is more than just a new hire, it’s a homecoming that promises to enrich the lives of students and uphold the school’s tradition of excellence.
