By: Kendra Danielson 

     As the 2024-2025 school year begins, Eisenhower welcomes new students and faculty with open arms and open minds. Specifically, in the science department, Eisenhower lost a valuable and well-known teacher, Mrs. Dietsch, when she retired last year. However, we have gained an experienced new teacher to fill her shoes in the world of Chemistry and Environmental Science, Mrs. McGraw. She was raised in Warren PA, went to Warren Area High School, and taught at Youngsville Middle High School prior to coming to Eisenhower. Post high school, she attended Clarion University and earned her bachelor’s degree in chemistry. On top of that, she received a master’s degree in education at Edinboro University.

Eisenhower students and staff are doing all they can to make her feel welcome and comfortable in a new atmosphere. The Squire asked her several questions to get to know her better.  

The Squire: What is your favorite thing about teaching?  

Mrs. McGraw: My favorite part about teaching is the interaction with the students. Especially when we are working on a subject and I see the “ahh-ha” moment where everything clicks, and the students learn a new skill.    

TS: What inspired you to be a science teacher? 

MM: I’ve always liked science, and I was able to understand it easily. I originally went to school for pharmacy but about halfway through I changed my mind and just wanted to study chemistry. After graduation, I needed to make a decision about what I wanted to do with my chemistry degree, so I decided to get my teaching certificate. I did not start teaching right away after graduation though, I worked in a lab at a compounding pharmacy for about five years. After my third child, I decided to stay home for a few years with my children. When I decided to go back to work, I wanted to start my teaching career, which led me to being hired at Youngsville Middle High School, where I have worked for the past three years.    

TS: What is your favorite class to teach, and why?  

MM: Even though I have a chemistry degree, I have really enjoyed teaching Environmental Science. I like learning about our environment and the natural world around us. It is information that I use on almost a daily basis, and I like knowing more about what is right outside our homes and just how nature works!  

TS: How has Eisenhower welcomed you as a new teacher, and what do you like about this school?  

MM: So far, the faculty and staff here at Eisenhower have been SO welcoming and helpful, checking in on me and making sure I am doing okay, asking if I need anything or if there is anything they can do for me. It has helped me feel comfortable here and I am really looking forward to this school year.   

 TS: What are you looking forward to this school year?  

MM: I look forward to seeing how Eisenhower works and the school spirit here. I am also looking forward to learning about all my new students.   

TS: Outside of school, how do you like to spend your time, and what are your favorite hobbies?  

MM: Outside of school, my three young children keep me extremely busy. They are involved in a lot of sports and dance. I enjoy doing D.I.Y. projects around our home, I’ve always got something I am painting or rearranging around the house. I started a garden, and we started canning and freeze a lot of what we harvest. I also enjoy hunting and being outside with my family.  

TS: If you weren’t a teacher, what profession would you have chosen and why?  

MM: I think I would have done something with interior decorating or a nurse practitioner in the dermatology/skincare medicine.  

TS: Where do you see yourself in ten years?  

MM: I am hoping to still be interacting with students on a daily basis, teaching science, and enjoying spending time with my grown children!  

TS: Finally, what is something you would like your students and fellow teachers to know about you?  

MM: Something that I would like others to know about me is that I try my best at everything I do. I think I am a pretty friendly person to be around, and I am always willing to help in any way I can.  

     The Squire would like to sincerely thank Mrs. McGraw for taking the time to answer these questions so we are able to get to know her better. Additionally, please take the time to stop in and say “Hi” (when possible) to help her feel welcome and give her the best possible experience here at Eisenhower!