At the beginning of the 2013-14 school year, there will be one notable difference.  The familiar face of assistant principal Mrs. Colleen Searfino(Kaplan)will no longer be here.

As of July 1, Searfino will be taking on her new responsibilities as AP  at Joppatowne HS.

    “If I could stay I would, but change is good,” said Searfino.

During her tenure at NHHS, Searfino said she has developed strong ties to teachers and students. Searfino has worked at the Hawks Nest for five years and as an employee of HCPS for 17 years.

  Mr. Ed Herbold said that he and Mrs. Searfino first worked together as assistant principals at NH before he became her boss.  Herbold describes Searfino as diligent and someone who has the ability to connect with students.

Beyond Herbold,   many of Searfino’s other colleagues are saddened by her departure as well.

Drama teacher Mrs. Nancy Green described Searfino as the ‘best of the best’ and a supporter of the drama program, where Searfino often served as a stage mom and a member of the orchestra pit.  Science teachers Kristian Jones-Knoll and Mrs. Kira Dare also are saddened by the news of Searfino’s departure.

   “She was one of the greatest bosses to work for-  she was the best,” said Knoll.

“She was a tremendous advocate for students. Students at Joppatowne are very lucky she is going there, and we will miss her,” said English teacher Mrs. Joanna Dallam

  Students who have interacted with Searfino describe her as “friendly and welcoming.”

“She is a really nice person and she will be missed, and I wish her well at her new school,” said Missy Grosso.

“She’s really nice, and laid back,” said Megan Mitchell.

One part of her NH experience that Searfino says she will miss is her involvement with the community.

“Since my first year of teaching at North Harford the people here have been so kind and caring, like a family,” said Searfino.

Although the decision to leave is not her own, she feels that their reason for moving her to Joppatowne is to help other students who need it.

“Everything happens for a reason,” said Searfino.