Patrick Halpin | Features
Editor for THE MOUNT
As students turn the corner heading east into the Science
wing they will more than likely hear the enthusiastic voice of Mrs. Zohner
(more commonly known as Ms. Z), speaking on and on about the wonders of
chemistry. Whether it’s memorizing the periodic table or discussing the outcome
of chemical reactions her voice can be heard loud and clear throughout the
hall.
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| Chemistry Teacher Leah Zohner on Maternity Leave photo by Homer Xu |
However, to many students dismay, sometime around September
25 that loud voice and those long drives in from Lincoln will be temporarily
absent from our halls. Zohner is pregnant. She is due September 25 and says, “I
plan on working until the baby has other plans.”
But the big question people are asking is, “What are we going
to do without Zohner?”
Junior Joe Coldiron, is currently in AP Chemistry with
Zohner. He says the class is fun but it definitely takes a lot of hard work.
“She cares enough to stay late after school and make sure her students fully
understand the subject and because she drives in from Lincoln everyday, it’s
even more of a commitment.”
A chemistry class without Zohner is somewhat of a foreign
idea to Mount Michael. Since 2012 she has been the person to talk to when it
comes to her science. However, she says there is no need to worry. Dr. Peck, a
friend of Zohner’s, will be subbing in for her during her maternity leave. She
has studied general chemistry, forensic chemistry, and inorganic chemistry and
Zohner says she is more than qualified to take her place.
In addition to being in charge of all things Chemistry,
Zohner has also been the throwing coach for track and field since 2012. But,
she has decided to step down from her position this year. She says that she has
decided to spend more time with her family considering she has a baby on the
way. However, Zohner says she still plans on coming out to track meets to watch
her old players compete.
“I really enjoy how many kids get excited about science,
which is sometimes hard to find. It makes my job really easy because people
actually want to learn,” Zohner said.
Although Zohner says she will not be gone for long, “it will
still definitely be a change” Coldiron said. Whether it has been throwing in
the spring or learning the basics of chemistry, all students have been impacted
by Ms. Z by the end of their sophomore year. Thankfully, she will not be gone
for long.
