With Spanish teacher Rebeca Marshburn returning to San Antonio, Texas, next year to be closer to relatives after three years at the school, history teacher Matt Torrens has been hired to be the new activities director for next year.

“There were other great candidates,” principal Paul Robinson said, “but Mr. Torrens brings a great love for students and staff that is rare. He’s the complete package, and we’re very fortunate and excited about the work he’s about to do.”

On top of teaching two classes of US History MAP and the new Leadership class, Torrens will help coordinate activities, such as Speak Up for Change week in January and student body elections.

However, since Torrens already had so much on his hands, he will stop teaching World Geography to make more time for Leadership.

“In my teaching career, I’ve taught three new classes, [but] the difference here is that [Leadership] isn’t my class,” Torrens said. “It’s the students,’ [and] student input is going to be critical.”

According to Marshburn, the duties of the activities director require a lot of after-school time, especially away from home and family. However, she believes that Torrens is perfect for the job because he has always been willing to dedicate his time to help the school out.

“I think he’s just going to do great,” Marshburn said. “He’s here on campus all the time. He is great with the students and he will be able to help them grow as individuals.”

Torrens has already begun his job as activities director by starting to visit Winter Formal venues with next year’s ASB officers, and he looks forward to continue to work with students.

“It’s really exciting for me, as I have invested so much into this school over the last 16 years I’ve been here,” Torrens said. “I have spent more time with students outside of class than just about any other teacher I know, and [as a parent], I understand the challenges of going to school at SHS and hope to find ways to celebrate our experience here.”