Think about a staff member you know at Salem and then visualize them doing another job entirely. Five days a week, we see the same staff in only one setting and it is difficult to imagine them as anything but our educators and security guards. However, many staff members have second jobs. Here are just a few:
Mr. Jeremy Abrecht
In addition to being our School Resource Officer, Jeremy Abrecht is the lead singer of a country rock band called Tailgate Down. They play almost every weekend and perform at places like the Eagle’s Nest, 615 Bar & Grill, the Norva, and at festivals during the summer. Usually, they play covers, but they have some original songs too. Abrecht was in district chorus in middle school and put on a concert in Salem’s auditorium. He’s been singing his whole life. He had his first gig at 15. You can check out more about his band on their Facebook page.
“Music has been my thing my whole life,” said Mr Abrecht.
Ms. Jennifer Harrington
Harrington is an English educator and also a yoga educator. She teaches yoga part-time at TCC; one course a semester. She also teaches at a studio called Zen Hot Yoga and trains upcoming yoga teachers. Harrington has been teaching since 2008. She focuses her classes with sayings like, “Think less” or “Feel more.”
“Teaching yoga definitely incorporates into my classroom at Salem,” said Harrington. “I even get my students to practice stillness every now and then.”
Ms. Carol MacDonald
MacDonald used to make jewelry like bracelets, necklaces, and blankets out of t-shirts on weekends. She now makes custom windchimes out of shells, sea glass, antique telephones, antique clocks, fishing lures, and computer parts to sell at art shows. MacDonald is also a photographer. She takes pictures of babies and does graduation photos for her friends.
“I make crap out of crap,” said Ms. MacDonald. “I have too many hobbies, but I really love photography.”
Mrs. Kathleen Trace
Kathleen Trace has been a photographer on the side for over 10 years. She specializes in senior portraits but also does family photoshoots, and small events. Trace believes that “every single person has the potential to shine in front of the camera,” and it’s her “mission to help them see it for themselves.”
Her philosophy is “not about airbrushing away imperfections or forcing fake smiles, it’s about capturing your unique essence, your joy, your strength, and showing the world the beautiful person you truly are.” She prides herself on providing a “safe and supportive space where you can be yourself in front of the camera.” She gives “expert guidance on posing, angles, and lighting to flatter your unique features.” But most importantly she makes her photoshoots “fun and playful to make the whole experience enjoyable.”
You can follow her @kathleentracephotography on Instagram, @kathleentracephot on TikTok, or check out her website. As of January 2024, she is recruiting juniors who are outgoing, involved, and looking to do something fun that will also boost their resume for her roleMODEL program. You can check that out here. You might know a couple of the class of 2024 roleMODELS: seniors Sammi Easmeil, Tyranae Leak, class of 2023’s Sophia Heinbach, and Soni McMillion.
These are just a few teachers out of many who have interesting occupations outside of school. The next time you see your teacher off campus, whether they are singing in a band, teaching yoga at TCC, or just on social media for their small business, you can appreciate how multi-talented our staff is.
