By Natalie Mowbray, ’22

Staff Writer

Mrs. Kelly Stukenborg has been Hanover High School’s assistant principal since October 2018. Whether they’re sent to her office or see her in the halls, students know they will be greeted by a compassionate person who clearly takes pride in our school.

Where did you grow up and attend college? 

I grew up in Weymouth, where I currently live! After high school, I attended Saint Michaels University in Vermont.

What was your college experience like? 

It was crazy! I was a biology major. Originally, I was on the Pre-Medical track and intended to become a doctor. I was very active in helping my professors with their research or working with local social agencies to help bring about social change in Burlington, Vermont.  While playing college soccer, I broke my back in two places. I had to work really hard in my coursework because I had to take a year off to recover from two surgeries to correct my fractured lower back.  I did it, though, and graduated with my class. 

What inspired you to become a teacher and later an assistant principal?

In my senior year in college, I had to teach a class on the case studies of Hippocrates and Galen (ancient Greeks).  After I taught the class, my advisor told me that I should be a teacher.  She had me teach some biology labs that year and I loved it.  After college, I went right into graduate school to get my master’s degree in biology and education at Northeastern University and then I started teaching in Brockton.  As an educator, I naturally gravitated to leadership roles and in 2006 became a science department head at North Quincy High School.  After that, I went to Weymouth High School where I was a dean for a year and then their Assistant Principal.

What classes did you teach in the past before becoming an assistant principal? I have taught biology, chemistry, physics, environmental science, integrated science, and biological anthropology.

Where did you teach before coming to HHS?

 I have taught in Brockton, Quincy, and Weymouth.

What are your hobbies outside of school and what do you/your family do for fun?

I have a husband named Brian, who I met during college. I also have a daughter named Maeve, who is 18 years old, and a son named Shane, who is 16. I play in adult soccer leagues and, during the pandemic, I have taken up needlepoint.

What is your favorite part about teaching/being an assistant principal?  Helping others.