She has taught, fought, and experienced many challenges in her 25 years.  Science teacher Mrs. Ellen Schwieger has been here longer than anyone else on the HHS faculty. 

“Hancock has been a part of almost my whole adult life,” Mrs. Ellen Schwieger stated. “I started working here when I was 26 and when I retire, I will be 52.” 

In these years, Schweiger has taught Biology, Honors Biology, AP Biology, Physics, Chemistry, and a lot more. Not to mention that she taught 2500+ students, including some kids’ children. 

With a Biology degree and certification in Unified Science in Secondary Education, as well as a Master of Arts in Education, Schweiger can teach a variety of science class.  “ I guess you could say I am a ‘Jack of all trades’,” she said.

Schwieger grew up in a small school, Metro High School, which meant she got to know all the faculty there. When she came to work at HHS, she loved that it is also a small school, and she got to see students all around the building. 

“That is something I have always loved about Hancock,” she said.  “It is a small school where we get to know our students, their siblings, and their parents.”

Schweiger has a lot of happy memories to look back on.

“I am just so thankful to see our students grow up, establish careers, and start families,” she stated, “It is so satisfying to run into students who have graduated and to hear their stories about their successes and to know you had a little something to do with it.”

Schweiger had one more thing to say, and it’s her “big reveal.”  

”This is going to be my last year teaching at Hancock High School,” she stated.  “I haven’t really told my students yet.” 

After 25 years, saying goodbye will not be easy.

“I will miss all of the lovely people that I work with,” Schwieger said. “ I have made friendships with a lot of people who have been here almost as long as I have.”