By Sydney Simpson – Editor-in-Chief 

The 2021 school year is so far proving to be almost back to normal. That being said, there are quite a few things that are different, such as being able to use the TLC, having full days, and having a new interim principal. Mr. Marko, former assistant principal, has taken on the role of interim principal for Jonathan Law High School. Advocate Editor-in-Chief Sydney Simpson interviewed Marko about the upcoming school year and his new position at Law. 

Sydney Simpson: What are you excited about for this year? 

Mr. Marko: I am most excited about seeing everyone in the building again and the energy and excitement that is associated with that.

SS: How is this new role different for you than your previous one as assistant principal?

JM:  In my short time as interim principal, I have found the job to be much different than the assistant principal position. The thing that immediately comes to mind is my work before the school year started with our teachers. This work included setting the goals for the school year, creating the professional learning experiences for the staff and becoming the instructional leader in the school.  

SS: What are some things you are nervous about?

JM: I am not sure if nervous is the correct word. I would say more of something that is always on my mind and always at the core of what I value and that is providing a safe and challenging environment for the students and staff in the building.

SS: What has changed this year in terms of COVID?

JM:  As far as COVID goes, we have experienced many changes. The desks are now located three feet from each other in the classrooms and we are able to share resources. This will allow for our physical education to participate in more team oriented activities and will allow for labs and experiments in all of our classrooms.

SS: What is a message you would want to relay to the seniors this year? 

JM: The message that I would like to relay to the seniors is that we are going to work with you and help make this a great senior year.

SS: What is a message you would want to relay to the freshmen this year?

JM: To the freshmen, I would like to offer some advice. Get involved. Do not allow yourself to be someone who enters the building at 7:15 a.m. and leaves at 2:00 p.m. Push yourself out of your comfort and join the club that interests you.

SS: What are some goals you are looking to achieve this year?

JM: This year we are looking to strengthen our culture of love and learning. This means challenging ourselves in classes and working to our personal potential. It also means respecting ourselves and each other to help create a comfortable environment for everyone.

SS: What do you like to do in your free time?

JM:  In my free time, I spend a lot of time with my family.  I have two children, a freshman in college and a sophomore in High School and I spend a lot of time at their events.  I also like to spend time at the beach, which I find helps to relax me and on the golf course, which is not quite as relaxing, but does allow me to be outside and active.  

SS: What is one piece of advice you would give to all students at Law?

JM: The first piece of advice that I would give to all students is to get involved in as much as you can.  Some of the greatest things that have happened in my life were when I was uncomfortable or unsure of what I wanted to do.  By taking that leap and challenging myself, I opened myself up to things that I didn’t know were possible.  The second piece of advice that I would give is to practice empathy.  Empathy is putting yourself in someone else’s shoes and trying to understand what they are experiencing.  Then allowing that newfound understanding to guide our actions.  By practicing empathy we can create an environment where everyone feels more comfortable and willing to take the risks.