Donna Harpe is beginning her first year as Gibson Southern’s new JAG teacher. A JAG teacher is one who is responsible for helping kids obtain the requirements for their high school diploma, as well as preparing them for their post-secondary lives. She has taught numerous different subjects for several years prior to her new position at Gibson Southern. Harpe enjoys spending time with family and also looks forward to tackling her first year as the new JAG teacher.

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Southerner: Do you enjoy teaching JAG so far? 

Harpe: “I love it because I am passionate about teaching kids the things they are going to need after high school graduation, and this gives me an opportunity to teach them about money, finance, jobs that they might love, and open their eyes to things they may have never thought of before.”

Southerner: How do you spend your summer breaks? 

Harpe: “Well, this summer it was moving into a new place, but typically during summer breaks, I always take a trip to the ocean.” 

Southerner: What is your favorite vacation spot? 

Harpe: “Probably Nags Head in North Carolina.”

Southerner: What accomplishments fill you with pride when thinking about your teaching career? 

Harpe: “When you’re talking to a student and they are just not understanding something, and then you see it all click for them, and you see it come to fruition, that light bulb goes off. I love that.” 

Southerner: Is there any sport or activity that you enjoy watching?

Harpe: “I enjoy anything to do with my grandkids.”

Southerner: How many grandkids do you have?

Harpe: “We have five grandkids.” 

Southerner: What is the best /worst thing about being a teacher?

Harpe: “The best is the kids, and the worst is the kids.”

Southerner: What advice would you give to your younger self? 

Harpe: “I would tell myself to get into education earlier.”

Southerner: Did you go to college for education?

Harpe: “I did, but I waited for my kids to get older before returning to school.”

Southerner: Where did you go to get your education?

Harpe: “I went to Oakland City University.”

Southerner: Did you enjoy your time at Oakland City University?

Harpe: “I loved it, but I was an older student. So, I wished I was able to experience all the things that those young kids were doing.”

Southerner: Do you have a bucket list destination?

Harpe: “I would like to go back to Hawaii; we have been to Hawaii once, and I would love to go back again.” 

Southerner: Do you have a personal hero or anybody that you look up to?  

Harpe: “Mrs. Charlotte Luehring or Mrs. Kathy Parks were fabulous role models.”

Southerner: If money were no object, what would you do? 

Harpe: “We would probably travel more.”

Southerner: Is there a certain job that you would have rather chosen?

Harpe: “No, I think education is the best thing that I have ever done, and I have done a lot of things.” 

Southerner: If you could pass on any wisdom to your students, what would it be? 

Harpe: “Keep an open mind and don’t ever think that you can’t, because you can.”