A teacher who has made their mark on Norwood High School and continues to do so is Julia Bonnist. Bonnist has taught English at NHS for 3 years.  She also takes a big role as an assistant coach for the Girls Varsity Lacrosse team.

Within her short amount of time at Norood High School, she has already made a difference and a huge impact, changing her students’ education and the people around her however she can. 

Her students make such an impact on her life, and they complete her day every single second she teaches them. 

“My students teach me to continue challenging myself and pushing myself to improve as a teacher,” she said. They “inspire me, and push me to continue growing as a teacher, so I can give them the best possible experience and education.” 

Teaching has always been a part of Bonnist’s life and her goals for the future. 

“I love teaching here, and I have always wanted to be a teacher since I was in Kindergarten,” she said. 

Her love for English came later. In college, she discovered her love for reading and the importance of English in her life. 

“English is different for everyone, and finding your creative voice and writing is a really special, informative experience that I try to encourage my students to find.” She views “English as creative freedom and exploration.”

NHS is Bonnist’s first teaching job. She studied at Holy Cross and Duke University.

Being in Norwood means something special to Ms. Bonnist, and the town stands out to her.

“I was really surprised when I came here and learned just how many people have family members here, their parents went here, their grandparents went here, and it really speaks to the town.”

“It seems like the people here really love the town and appreciate the community…the sense of community here, there is a lot of Norwood pride as well as many great traditions.”

The Norwood Lacrosse team is a program that has so many amazing people involved, and having Bonnist as an addition for the last 3 years has changed it for the better.

“Coaching lacrosse has helped me get to know more of the student body as a new teacher.”

Being a coach has been a combination of so many things for Ms. Bonnist, and it means a lot to teach all the different students from Norwood High. 

“It helps them get to know me not just as a teacher but as a person and an athlete.”