The newest CHS “Teacher of the Year” for the upcoming school year was awarded to Leadership, Marketing, Sports and Entertainment Marketing teacher Mrs. Bellissimo. Bellissimo is also an SCA co-sponsor, the D.E.C.A sponsor and involves herself in many activities related to the school.

“I truly want my students to enjoy coming into my classroom and I want to show them that lessons can be learned in all types of ways, for example, activities, conversations, games, movies, TV shows as well as lectures,” Bellissimo said.

Distinguished teachers were also named and include: English teacher Mr. Johnson, Catering and Culinary teacher Mrs. Goodman, Orchestra teacher Kevin Fields, and math teacher Mr. Wolfe.

Q: What classes do you teach/activities are you involved in?

A: “I teach Leadership, Marketing, and Sports and Entertainment Marketing.  I am a co-sponsor of DECA and the SCA and I am also the coordinator of Cox Camps Summer Program.”

Q: What was your reaction when you were named “Teacher of the Year”?

A: “I was utterly shocked.  I thought I was going to join the other distinguished teachers in the front row before they named the Teacher of the Year.  I did not hear them say I won, but I saw my family and friends and just became so overwhelmed.  I really was so impressed by the amazing accolades and accomplishments of the other nominees that I was sure I was not going to win.” 

Q: How would you describe your teaching style?

A: “I think my teaching style is all about building relationships and helping others.  I want to help my students in any way I can, even if it is with things that do not fall under my curriculum.  Since I teach an elective, I really value my students because they choose to take my class.  I truly want them to enjoy coming into my classroom and I want to show them that lessons can be learned in all types of ways, for example activities, conversations, games, movies, TV shows as well as lectures.  I want my students to learn how to market real-world products by advertising school events.  I want to help my students improve in some area of their lives, not just my curriculum.”

Q: What would you be doing if you were not a teacher?

A: “I honestly don’t know. Teaching is all I have ever wanted to do. I would imagine I would be coaching;  I was the softball coach here for seven years.   If I were to be removed from the school altogether I would like to think I would work in a marketing firm in some capacity.”

Q: What made you want to start teaching?

A: “I have always found joy in helping others.  I love kids and I first fell in love with coaching.  Once I started coaching more, I knew I was meant to be in a classroom.  It makes me happy; I find joy in my students and helping them succeed and it is all I have ever wanted to do since.”