MU Spotlight 20/20
Community Partner Spotlight: William Penn Elementary School
Greer Hockemeier, Community School Coordinator
What is your organization and your mission?
William Penn Elementary School: "Together we learn, together we lead"
What is your role at your organization, and what is something many may not know about the work you do?
As the Community School Coordinator, I coordinate all mentors, tutors, after-school programs and services that come into our school. I also work to eliminate barriers to learning for our students (basic needs: food, clothing, physical and mental health services). I work closely with Moravian University going over to speak to classes or giving tours of our school.
How did volunteers on Heritage Day support your work?
50 volunteers participated in Heritage Day at William Penn. Volunteers read to students, helped with classroom activities, organized bookshelves, etc. Volunteers also worked outside raking leaves and picking up garbage on school grounds. The teachers really appreciated the help in the classrooms and the outside looked great when the volunteers were done!
What is your favorite spot in Bethlehem?
The Other Fish, because I'm a huge sushi fan.
What's your favorite family tradition?
Traveling with my family on monumental birthdays (age 21, 30, 40, 50, etc.).
Name something many of your colleagues don’t know about your outside of your responsibilities?
I would like to open a community center in Bethlehem. I am sharing this because I will need the support of the local community to make this happen in the near future.
My typical weekend would go something like this:
Relaxing after work on a Friday. Playing a rugby match on Saturday and hanging out with friends that evening. Sunday coaching soccer and walking my dog, Colby.
What's your favorite thing to do when you're away from work?
Play soccer or rugby, because I get to spend time with my friends/teammates and get a good workout in while doing something I love.
If money was no object, what would your dream career be?
Coaching rugby or soccer. I have a passion for sports and working with youth. Sports taught me so much growing up (and they still do) so I love passing these life lessons on.
Who is your hero, and why?
My good friend, Adam Keys, from Whitehall, Pa. Adam was severely injured in the war in Afghanistan and continues to fight every day. He has a better attitude than most people I know. I admire his strength and passion for life and I'm so thankful to have him in mine.
What is the best advice you have ever received?
My dad always told me, "You can get mad later." I have learned to deal with situations in a calm manner because that usually solves most problems. If that doesn't work, I can get mad later.
What sound do you love? Why?
Leaves crunching. Fall is my favorite season and I love being outside.
I can never resist a good __________.
...pizza. I eat pretty healthy, but pizza is definitely my favorite food.
What makes you happy?
Traveling makes me happy. I have been to 38 countries on 6 continents and plan to see the world. I love getting out of my comfort zone, meeting new people, seeing new lands and trying new food. I also have some awesome travel buddies who make my trips even better.
Is there a story behind your name?
I go by my middle name.