Nicole Carpenter is a math and science teacher in the Special Education Department, coaches freshman B volleyball and special olympics track, the new Hornet Leadership Board Advisor, and has been present at Operation Snowball. Ms. Carpenter is always a friendly face around the building, spreading positivity wherever she goes. She graduated from Hinsdale South in 2017, and when she was in high school, she was on the volleyball team, peer partners, FCCLA, and Key Club. Ms Carpenter enjoyed being here at Hinsdale South, as she was active in school, but also because she has always liked the community here. She believes Hinsdale South has always had great teachers who have been very supportive of the students. When discussing teachers at South, she remarked, “I don’t want to say other schools don’t [have this] but 90% of students here would drop whatever they’re doing to help you if you needed it.” At first, Ms. Carpenter didn’t think she was going to become a teacher because she was set on becoming a nurse, but after she finished her college applications, she realized that she wanted to become an educator and come back to Hinsdale South to become a special education teacher. She started her first two years in elementary school, and when a position opened at South, she took the opportunity to apply. She loves the fact that at South, there is something for everyone, and describes our school like “home.” Whether it’s a club, sport, or even a friend group, there will always be something for everyone. In addition to her teaching position at Hinsdale South, coaching the Freshman B team feels like a full circle moment for her. Her experience was great as a player, and she strives to teach the same goals and values she learned from the program to the players on her team now. Back when Ms Carpenter was a student, she believed there was way more participation than there is now. She stated that it’s more due to a societal shift, as she thinks social media has made it seem that participating in school events isn’t cool anymore. Her favorite memory as a student was her prom, at the Crystal Garden in Navy Pier. When asked if she would recommend teaching at Hinsdale South, she replied, “Oh yeah, oh yes, and people know that, people fight over positions at Hinsdale South. I am very lucky to be here at South, and I wouldn’t give it up for anything.”