Conquering Goals: Chris Terzigni

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Chris Terzigni, Class of 2008, Holliston, MA

What are you up to? I’m currently the principal of Founders Academy, a small charter middle school in Woonsocket, RI. I live in Holliston, MA with my beautiful fiancé, Laura. We relocated back to New England in October after spending the last 10 years in North Carolina, where we both attended school at High Point University.

How'd you get here? After graduating from WHS, I attended High Point University in High Point, NC where I earned a bachelor's and master's degree in Elementary Education. After I graduated, I found a job as a 4th grade teacher. Between then and now, I have taught 4th grade, 6th grade and K-5 STEM. I was also given the opportunity to work outside the classroom as a Personalized Learning Coordinator, where I oversaw the implementation of a one-to-one tablet program for two different middle schools. In 2017, I was given the opportunity to return to school at High Point University on a full-ride scholarship to earn my master's degree in Educational Leadership. I earned my Educational Leadership master's degree in May of 2018. Soon enough, I served as an Assistant Principal at an elementary school in Greensboro, NC before relocating to Massachusetts and accepting my current position as principal.

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What are your goals? It has been my goal for as long as I can remember to teach and then to become an administrator, so I would say I am currently living my goals and at a point where I need to start building new goals. I can see myself going back to school to earn my doctorate within the education field and after I have gained some valuable experience, look into leadership roles at a district level. I’m getting married in October of 2020, so starting a family and settling down is definitely on the horizon for me as well.

If you could tell your high school self one thing, what would it be? Take more classes that would earn you college credit... college is expensive, the less classes you have to take, the less money it will cost you. :-)

Expect the Unexpected: Lindsay Bugryn

Lindsay Bugryn, Class of 2009, Watertown, CT

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What are you up to? I just started my 2nd year of teaching! Last year I taught 2nd grade and this year I am teaching Kindergarten in Waterbury. I absolutely love being in the classroom day to day. It's amazing to see how much my students learn throughout the year. I am also coaching the dance team at WHS. This will be my 4th year coaching the team. It's a great way to share my passion of dance with others! 

Who would of ever thought I'd be dating someone from high school that I never spoke to?! Well, I am! We've been dating for 4 years, 3 of those years he's been serving in the Air Force. Only a few months left until he's back to Watertown! 

If I'm not teaching, planning lessons, coaching or spending time with friends and family, you can always find me hanging out with my dog!

How'd you get here? I attended University of New Haven for my undergrad. I received my Bachelors Degree in Communications. My dream was to become a news anchor. That dream quickly changed after I was crowned Miss University of New Haven my senior year and started working with children in school systems. As I began to spend more time working in different schools, I realized I could be a positive influence while doing something I really enjoyed. I was able to work with children of all ages, however, I became very passionate about working with elementary aged children. Seeing how eager elementary school children are to learn made me recognize I could make a huge impact and help mold their futures. 

This led me to go back to school for my masters degree. Almost two years ago, I received my Masters in Elementary Education from The University of Bridgeport. After completing my student teaching in Wolcott, I was awarded Outstanding Student Teacher of the year. I was then offered a full time position teaching in Waterbury. Since then, I have loved every minute of it and can't wait to see what the future holds.

What are your goals? I plan to go back to school for my 6th year. Down the road I may decide to take on an administration role, but for now the classroom is where I want to be! I also hope to continue to build the dance team at the high school!

Advice for WHS Students? Expect the unexpected, prepare for obstacles, dream big, be happy and always believe in yourself.

How did you start your day? With 20 big smiles from my Kindergarteners!