Harlem student's work ethic stands out
Student: Mark Hanna
Teacher: Lonnie Morris Jr.
Mark Hanna is Harlem High School's STAR student, and he has named Lonnie Morris Jr. his STAR teacher.
Harlem High School's STAR student, Mark Hanna, came to the school from California when he was in 10th grade. He has named history teacher and assistant football coach Lonnie Morris Jr. his STAR teacher. Morris, who has taught at the school for 26 years, praised Mark's work ethic. Mark plays football and is a member of the National Honor Society.
Photo by Jim Blaylock
The 17-year-old Grovetown resident came to Harlem High from California as a sophomore. Mark said he immediately took a liking to his world history teacher, Morris, an assistant football coach.
"When I first came here in 10th grade, he was just a really nice guy and a great teacher," Mark said. "I learned a lot from him. His teaching methods were pretty good and, on top of that, he was just a really great coach. He's been a really good friend."
Mark took up football when he came to Harlem and started as a linebacker, and sometimes tight end, in his senior year. He's also a member of the National Honor Society, Spanish Honor Society, Chess Club and Science Club.
"I think the biggest attribute about Mark is his work ethic," Morris said. "He was never satisfied, on the field and in my classroom, with where he was at. It didn't matter what the task was; he always put everything he had into what he was doing."
Morris is a 26-year teaching and coaching veteran at Harlem High, and this is his first time being named a STAR teacher.
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