New Hampton School is excited to announce that faculty member Jacob Morel is the featured speaker for this year’s Convocation. With few exceptions, it is a modern tradition at New Hampton School that the faculty member honored with the O’Connor Excellence in Teaching prize at the conclusion of the preceding academic year receives the distinction of speaking during Convocation. Their voice helps lend tone and structure for the year ahead in conjunction with words from our Head of School and the community elected all-school theme, which is “Be the Change” for upcoming year.
The O’Connor Excellence in Teaching Prize recognizes a faculty member selected as a strong contributor by demonstrating such attributes as setting the highest standard for his or her students while not abandoning them to their own resources, nurturing students inside and outside the classroom, and demonstrating a commitment to the student, the school, and the art of teaching. Students nominate a teacher who is caring, inspiring, and represents the best of New Hampton School.
O’Connor Distinguished Teaching
With this recent award, Mr. Morel is recognized as a role model for both our students and faculty. Described as being an educator possessing a calm and warm demeanor, a person who is caring, supportive, and approachable, he is someone who encourages students to take healthy risks and to make mistakes as part of the learning process, setting students at ease knowing he is there to guide them on their path to growth and success. Alumna and former Student Body Co-President Reagan Comora ’25 had the honor of speaking about Morel upon granting the O’Connor recognition.
“He can best be described as a Swiss Army knife of education. He teaches a wide range of subjects, including English, World History, Earth Science, World Geography, and Native American Studies, and approaches every class with passion and enthusiasm. His organized lessons are complemented by hands-on activities, such as conducting water tests, stargazing, and nature walks. Together with his students, he embodies the school’s mission to be active global citizens, fostering a deep compassion for our world’s history, culture, and environment.”
We look forward to hearing Mr. Morel’s remarks during Convocation on Sunday, August 31, at 10:30 am.
