Highlands High School has continuously been known for its community, and for teachers Lauren Peterson and Kyle Finfrock, this environment played a significant role in their return to teach at the school. Both came back to give back to the place that helped shape their futures, proving the same impact a school can have on its students.
“I wanted to apply for a job here. I knew when I went to college, I was well prepared by this school and how well the school was taught. So this was the only place I applied to and I got the job,” English teacher, Lauren Peterson, said.
Peterson’s time at Highlands gave her confidence in her ability to succeed in college and shaped a teaching approach based on that foundation.
“It made me very confident in my ability to learn. I remember struggling with certain subjects, and when I went to college, all of that made it possible for me to learn with a productive struggle,” Peterson said.
Over time, technology has changed the stigma between students and teachers, creating better opportunities for communication and relationships.
“I do think from my perspective now as a teacher, the relationships I have with my students, I never had with my teachers. Technology has changed that with incredible communications. I can’t imagine ever being able to message a teacher,” Peterson said.
For Kyle Finfrock, a health teacher, returning to Highlands felt like an easy step after a positive experience as a student. Returning to the school came with a drive to contribute to the same supportive environment that helped hold success.
“I had a great experience. I really enjoyed my teachers and my process through high school at Highlands. So when I heard that there was a job opening here, it was a no-brainer to apply. Then when I got offered, it didn’t take me very long to accept because this is a great school surrounded with great people and it made it a very easy choice,” Finfrock said.
Finfrock’s teaching methods reflect the education received at Highlands, keeping the lessons and approach familiar and effective.
“It helps me to have an understanding of what the background the kids are coming from and what necessarily interests them. I do notes the same way previous teachers did notes, so there’s a direct correlation between how I learned it and how I teach it,” Finfrock said.
Since returning, both Peterson and Finfrock have seen changes and improvements in the school. Students’ focus and behavior have flourished, creating a positive learning environment.
“Coming from a teacher perspective, the students are very well behaved. Maybe that wasn’t a problem when I was here, but you did hear about all of the bad outliers when I was here and what they did. I don’t feel like we have that anymore, and everyone’s kind of all in on learning and being together here,” Finfrock said.
The sense of community at Highlands continues to be a major factor in the school’s success. The support goes beyond the school, continuing through the Fort Thomas community.
“The people and the community. Even the people that live in Fort Thomas, those who don’t even go here are very supportive of the school and it makes it unique to other places because you don’t really get that everywhere,” Finfrock said.
Advice for current students is, take full advantage of the opportunities available and appreciate the present.
“Be grateful. We at Highlands are given so many opportunities, and I think we take advantage of these at the end of the day,” Peterson said.
For Finfrock, it is simple. Cherish the time spent at Highlands, and enjoy the moment before things change.
“Don’t have any regrets because there’s a lot of things I wish I could go back and do differently. Enjoy the moment of being here because it’s an awesome place to be, and you’re only gonna be around the people you’re around for so long before you go your separate ways, so don’t hold anything back,” Finfrock said.
Peterson and Finfrock’s stories describe the importance of community and growth. Their return to Highlands shows how a school can inspire a return of success and support, with educators helping in shaping generations just as they were shaped.
