RHHS welcomes many new faces!
2018-19
New faces around campus
Meet our new faculty and staff...
Deanna Appleton - Counselor
Ms. Appleton is entering her 10 year as a school counselor. Previously she served students in Miami and Fort Lauderdale and just relocated from Plantation, Florida. Originally from a little town in Pennsylvania, she is excited about new beginnings in Richmond Hill! Ms. Appleton is a big student advocate who will support students in meeting their goals and reaching their highest potential. She is passionate about nature, travel and smiling! She is also married with 3 small children- 1 just born!
Jacqueline Baker - Math
Jacqueline Baker is excited to join the Wildcat family this year bringing with her nine years of teaching and eight years of engineering experience. She obtained her Bachelor of Science at the University of Pittsburgh majoring in Applied Mathematics with minors in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science and completed her Master of Arts in Teaching at Armstrong Atlantic State. Although she was raised as a military ‘brat’ relocating often, Jacquie has made a home in Savannah where her father was last stationed. She and her husband enjoy spending time with their seven children playing board games, swimming, tutoring, and traveling.
Erin Borchert - English
Ms. Borchert, a native of Houston, Texas, earned degrees in history and English at the University of Houston. This will be her tenth year teaching English; she has previously taught in Texas and North Carolina. Erin is excited to be returning to the area (her family was here five years ago) and settling long-term in Richmond Hill following the retirement of her husband from the military after 25 years. She enjoys reading, running, and spending time with her son Carson.
Suzanne Clardy - Work-based Learning
Mrs. Clardy has relocated to Richmond Hill from Charleston, South Carolina. A graduate of the Citadel, Mrs. Clardy has taught math, English, and most recently, engineering. We are excited to have Mrs. Clardy assume the position of WBL Coordinator in addition to teaching a couple of sections of engineering.
Roman Czerwinski - Spanish
Mr. Czerwinski is a transfer from Bryan County High where he also taught Spanish. He has taught adult-school, middle, and high school for 20 years. He earned his B.A. from UCLA and his M.Ed. From the Universidad de Salamanca in Spain. He's busy focusing on two things--raising his kids that attend elementary, middle, high school, and college and keeping the wife happy.
Ann deJesus - Science
Ms. deJesus recently graduated from Georgia Southern University with a bachelors degree in Broad Field Science and a minor in Physical Science. Ms. deJesus interned at RHHS for the 2017-2018 school year under the supervision of Coach Dragon. Ms. deJesus is super excited to start her new journey at RHHS! Outside of school, she enjoys the ocean, four-wheelers, fishing, and dirt track races.
Carmen Diaz - paraprofessional
Ms. Diaz was born and raised in Germany. She is an Army spouse of 9 years now. She has two wonderful boys. She is very passionate about education. Summer is her favorite season of the year, and she loves coastal outdoor activities like going to the beach and fishing. She also enjoys reading Better Homes & Gardens magazines.
Opal Ellis - Administrative Assistant
Ms. Ellis is looking forward to working as an Administrative Assistant for the West Campus and Mr. Kornegay. Opal has been with Richmond Hill High School for 2 years. During this time, she worked as a facilitator with our On-Line School. Previous to RHHS, she worked 10 years as a preschool teacher at Savannah Christian Academy. When Opal is not working she enjoys spending time with her husband, two sons, and chocolate lab Jasper.
Cheryl Emerson - Science
Ms. Emerson was born in Colorado, schooled in Arizona, and started a family in Washington. She became a certified teacher in 2002 and began teaching in Kansas, first in brick and mortar, then virtually when she moved to Savannah in 2012. She is excited to return to the classroom after teaching virtually and completing her Master’s program at Georgia Tech in 2016. Her husband of 26 years and she have an empty nest except for Sybil, their Treeing Walker Coonhound rescue, who helps her get her 10,000 steps a day.
Faith Fitzgerald - Science
Mrs. Fitzgerald is extremely excited to become a Wildcat this year coming to RHHS with 10 years of teaching experience in biology. Faith, an army brat, has lived in several locations, but feels that Central Illinois is the closest to being called home (go ILLINI!!) Faith, her husband, and 2 spunky little boys relocated from Southern California to Richmond Hill to be closer to family last year. Faith enjoys exploring local beaches and parks, gardening, and hiking with family and friends.
Linda Fix - English
Mrs. Fix is from Statesboro, Georgia, where she and her husband raised two children. She earned her bachelor's degree in English Education from Georgia Southern University in 1994, and she got her first teaching job at Bryan County High School. During the early years of her career, she continued to attend GSU, earning her M.Ed. and then her Ed.S. After seven years at BCHS, Mrs. Fix moved to Southeast Bulloch High School so that she could work closer to home and share the same schedule as her children. Now, Mrs. Fix and her husband have moved to Richmond Hill to be nearer their children and their only grandson. Mrs. Fix enjoys reading, writing, kayaking, and traveling.
Christy Gilbert - Special Education
Ms. Gilbert is from Savannah, and she graduated from Armstrong in 1998 with a bachelor’s degree in Psychology. After starting a family and staying home a few years, she went back to Armstrong and graduated in 2014 with a master’s in Special Education. She has three children ages, 16, 14, and 11. Ms. Gilbert has been co-teaching 4th and 5th grades Math/ELA in Camden County for the past 3 years. She is excited about the opportunity to work at RHHS. She enjoys hanging out with her family and hiking in North Carolina.
Sara Goldrick - Instructional Lead Teacher
Mrs. Goldrick has been a math teacher at RHHS for 5 years and will now be changing roles to serve as the ILT for math and science. She and her husband live in RH and have a son and a daughter, both students at RHMS. Mrs. Goldrick loves sports and can often be found at athletic events, where she is either cheering on her children, our RHHS Wildcats or her Clemson Tigers!
Melanie Harper - CTAE, Business
Ms. Harper is excited to join the Wildcat family! She comes to RHHS from the collegiate world and looks forward to beginning her teaching career on the Hill. Melanie is married with one child – a newborn baby girl, Naomi. In her spare time, she loves cooking, baking, reading and sewing. Melanie also enjoys spending time with her loved ones.
Kaitlin Hutchinson - Special Education
Mrs. Hutchinson was born and raised in Columbus, Ohio (Go Buckeyes!). She and her husband were transplanted to the Savannah area in August 2017. Mrs. Hutchinson comes to RHHS from the north end of the county, and worked at BCHS last year. She is the competition and football cheerleading coach and LOVES coaching! She also works as a Crossfit coach in Richmond Hill and spends much of her free time in the gym. Her first teaching passion is science, and her master’s work came later in her newly discovered passion, special education. This is her fifth year in the classroom and she can’t wait to be a part of the wildcat family!
Lisa Knight - Math
Mrs. Knight has been teaching mathematics for 10 years. She taught in 3 different counties, but is excited to make RHHS her final home for teaching. She graduated from LaGrange College in 2008 with her B.S. degree in Mathematics, and a year later her M.A.T. degree. She was named the Liberty County School System Teacher of the Year just after 5 years in the classroom. She is married and has one son. In her spare time she likes to run 5Ks and half marathons.
Nathan Lancaster - Science
Mr. Lancaster is coming to RHHS from Marietta, Ga. He obtained his teaching degree from Kennesaw State University and has been a teacher for four years. He loves science, specifically biology. Mr. Lancaster will be coaching the RHHS Swim Team this fall. He has been married to a beautiful wife for one year now, and they are very excited to become locals in Savannah together. Mr. Lancaster was born in Kentucky and is a die hard Louisville Cardinal fan, but roots for all Atlanta professional teams.
Nikki Lukkarinen - ESOL
Nikki is ready to start her 19th year in education in a completely different role than the previous 18. She began as a 5th grade teacher for 9 years, was the school's RtI coordinator for 1 year, and then moved into a position as a media specialist at Bradwell Institute before moving back down to elementary where she was the media specialist for the past 2 years. All 18 years were in Liberty County. She and her family (husband and 2 children) moved to Richmond Hill last year and she is excited to make the move to the Bryan County School System. She will be teaching ESOL at both RHMS and RHHS.
Paige Morgan - Math
Mrs. Morgan is a Savannah native and taught high school math for 13 years (11 of those at her alma mater, Windsor Forest High) before moving to Richmond Hill Middle School in 2015 where she taught 8th grade math. She earned a B.S. in Mathematics from The University of Georgia and two advanced degrees in education from Georgia Southern University. She loves UGA football, working out, and boating to nearby beaches. Most importantly, Paige enjoys spending time with "Mr. Morgan" and their three beautiful children. She is excited and honored to be joining the RHHS faculty!
Natalie Newsom - English
Natalie Newsom is returning to the English department after teaching ESOL last year. She is originally from Memphis, Tennessee, and graduated from the University of Memphis and Christian Brothers University. She lives in Savannah with her husband and two cats. In her free time she enjoys reading, sewing, and watching movies.
Maysha Pate - Visual Arts
Ms. Pate is from the small town of Lakeland, GA and is excited about making Savannah and Richmond Hill her new home! She received a B.F.A. in Art Education and a M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction from Valdosta State University. She comes to RHHS with 8 years of teaching experience, all at Lanier and Lowndes County Schools. In her spare time, she enjoys cooking, traveling, painting and sharing her passion for art within the community, through teaching painting classes and children's art camps. She is looking forward to joining the Wildcat family!
Callie Oldham - Special Education
Ms. Oldham was born in Aurora, CO and grew up as an army brat. She graduated from Covenant College with a Bachelors of Arts and went on to the University of Georgia to receive her Masters of Arts in Teaching Secondary English Education. Callie has been teaching English at RHHS for the last two years, but is excited to begin her journey with the Special Education Department. Her hobbies include reading, knitting, and taking walks with her dog.
Kasey Parker - Math
Mrs. Parker just recently relocated to the Savannah area with her husband, Robert. She was born and raised in New Jersey and graduated from the University of Delaware in 2013. Married to an army officer Kasey has taught in many different states, in both high school and middle school. In her free time, she loves adventuring outside, baking, crocheting, and spending time with her fur babies (Charlotte and Schmitty). Mrs. Parker is very excited about becoming a Richmond Hill High School Wildcat!
Charles Patterson - Fine Arts, Orchestra
Charles Patterson is starting his second year of teaching and his first year at RHHS. Charles is originally from Effingham County, and is a 2012 graduate from South Effingham High School. He graduated in the Spring of 2017 from Georgia Southern University with a bachelor's degree in Music Education. For his first job, he taught middle school orchestra in Henry County near metro Atlanta and decided to transition to teaching high school orchestra. He is very excited to join the team at RHHS and has exciting plans to develop the Orchestra program! Go Wildcats!
Francis Pawloski - CTAE/Engineering
Francis Pawloski is excited to join the CTAE and Engineering department and starting his 5th year at RHHS as an Engineering and Computer Science teacher! Married for almost 10 years to a Lovely wife Bridget, He grew up in the Savannah area and obtained a Bachelor’s of Science in Biology and a Masters in secondary education from AASU. Among Interest like Programming, Computing and Making Things, Mr. Pawloski enjoys many hobbies such as Skateboarding, MTB Trail Riding, Ping Pong, Chess, Soccer, Independent Game development, and Competitive Gaming.
Brianna Plachy - Science
Ms. Plachy is originally from Omaha, Nebraska. Even though she has been in Georgia for most of her life, she still calls Nebraska home. Go Big Red! Ms. Plachy graduated from Armstrong twice- once with a B.S. in Biology and second with an MAT in Secondary Science. She is also gifted certified. She began by student teaching at Beach High School but transitioned to a long term substitute to finish out that semester. She then completed three years of teaching there. Over her time at Beach HS, she taught four different sciences. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with family, friends, and her dog, Bullet.
Maria Powell
Ms. Powell is moving from Saint Simons Island with her husband and 2 children, a 3 year old son and 1 month year old daughter. Ms. Powell grew up in Statesboro, where she attended high school and received her bachelors degree in Psychology from Georgia Southern University. It wasn’t until taking a long term sub position in a self-contained special education classroom, that she realized how much she enjoyed teaching students with special needs. She has taught special education for ten years. Her career started in McIntosh County Schools where she taught for eight years. She then took a position at Brunswick High School, where she has worked the past two years. Continuing her career at Richmond Hill High School brings much excitement to her for the future.
Morgan Schillo - Spanish
Mrs. Schillo is from Salem, Virginia. She graduated from Virginia Tech with a degree in Spanish and a minor in Mathematics. After graduating, she spent a year living in Spain while teaching English. She is married with an Aussiedoodle named Benny and a cat named Albert. In her free time, she loves traveling, cooking, gardening and spending time with her family and friends. She is looking forward to spreading her passion for the Spanish language and culture with her students!
Joe Scott - Math
Mr. Scott is from Warner Robins, Georgia. Joe graduated from Georgia College and State University with a Bachelors degree in Mathematics and a Masters Degree in Teaching. Joe comes to Richmond Hill from Brunswick High School where he spent two years teaching Math and coaching football. Joe enjoys spending time with his family.
Jessica Stanley - Assistant Principal
Ms. Stanley taught at Lowndes High School in Valdosta, Georgia for 7 years before moving to the Savannah area. She took one year off to open a business and is now excited to get back into education by joining RHHS as an administrator! She obtained her degrees from Valdosta State University and has experience with math, science, and special education. Outside of the classroom she enjoys reading, traveling, watching football and baseball, and any outdoor adventure.
Scott Strickland - Social Studies
Mr. Strickland is a 2007 graduate of RHHS and Armstrong Atlantic graduate. He comes to RHHS with 5 years of teaching experience at Richmond Hill Middle School. While at RHMS he taught math and social studies. Scott is married to Courtney Strickland and they share a beautiful daughter, Raegan. He has been a coach of the Richmond Hill baseball program for past 6 years. When not coaching and teaching he enjoys golf and spending time with his family.
Victoria Thomas- English
Mrs. Thomas is excited to begin her teaching career at RHHS after spending the last school year with us as an intern earning her Master of Arts in Teaching in English Language Arts Education from Armstrong State University. She was born in Savannah and attended RHHS as a student herself. Outside of the classroom she enjoys traveling, spending time with family and friends, and playing board games and video games.
Roger Vaughn - Special Education
Mr. Vaughn comes to RHHS from New Hampstead High School with a M.A.T with an emphasis in Emotional and Behavioral Disabilities and 8 years of experience in Special Education. He has many years of experience working with Mental Health issues serving clients in the Military and while working within the community before changing careers and entering the education field. He spends most of his time split between spending time with his wife, Jonna, of 10 years and riding his Harley Davidson. He looks forward to increasing his knowledge of Special Education with a new district and working with the students and staff within a new and exciting environment.
Crystal Vest - Math
Ms. Vest comes to RHHS with nine years of teaching experience. Crystal has a Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics Education from Kennesaw State University and a Master’s degree in Brain Based Teaching from Nova Southeastern University. In her free time, she enjoys reading, crafting, and spending time with family and friends.
About RHHS
Email: dmcneal@bryan.k12.ga.us
Website: http://www.bryan.k12.ga.us/o/rhhs
Location: 1 Wildcat Drive, Richmond Hill, GA, United States
Phone: (912) 459-5151
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/richmondhillhigh/
Twitter: @RichmondHill_HS