Mr. Hilly has been a social studies teacher here at Westhampton Beach High School for a little over 13 years. When I was a new student, Mr. Hilly was the teacher that made me laugh instantly with his sarcastic humor. Everyone, including students and faculty, finds something to like about Mr. Hilly.

Hilly loves to teach as much as the kids love him. He said, “I’m still shocked they keep paying me to learn. I gain knowledge and learn new things from reading other students’ work.” Wow Mr. Hilly. Isn’t that inspiring? Students do play a big role in a teacher’s career.

Mr. Hilly’s social studies colleague, Mr. Moran, had a lot to say about his friend Mr. Hilly. Sarcastically, Mr. Moran said, “I like his hair.” (Mr. Hilly is bald). He added more seriously, “His compassion towards students. He’s also one of the smartest teachers I know.” Mr. Moran said his favorite memory with Hilly was when they had an AP Government conference in Colorado and went to a Rockies game together.

I asked Mr. Hilly, “What motivates you?” He quickly responded, “Not being the person I used to be. You know, lazy and always making excuses. That person scares me. Hilly laughs. ” I don’t want to be that person.” I could take some pointers from Mr. Hilly myself.

If you didn’t know already, Mr. Hilly is a very caring teacher and can easily make your day. He says when he’s alone in his car he thinks about, depending on the day, the student and their situation and what he could do to help them. Behind the sarcasm is a teacher with a big heart.

You can learn so much from Mr. Hilly. Just remember like he said,“Life is hard sometimes, but you just have to find a way through it.”