While chemistry is a hard class for many, science teacher Stephanie Harnew tries her best to get students to enjoy the subject, just as she does.
Harnew teaches Organic Biochemistry (OBC), and DC Chemistry Honors. She has also taught Integrated Chemistry and Physics (ICP), and Chemistry.
“My main responsibilities are teaching students, which includes setting up, taking down, and running labs,” Harnew said. “I’m also in charge of the chemical inventory and the storage room that’s connected here that several science teachers use.”
Harnew decided to become a teacher after combining her love for science and chemistry with her interest in teaching others and working with kids.
“When I went to college, I was pre-pharmacy to start with, so I knew I liked science,” Harnew said. “Then I decided against pharmacy because I did a job shadow and didn’t enjoy it. I wanted to do something in science, and I thought the best way to show other people what I love and get them to love it too, while still being able to interact with others was to be a teacher.”
Along with being a chemistry teacher, Harnew is also the club sponsor for Code Red Medical Club.
“It’s for students that are interested in healthcare careers,” Harnew said. “We meet once a month and host guest speakers from various medical careers like pharmacists, physicians, nurses, and athletics trainers.”
Harnew became a sponsor for the club in 2015 when former student Isabelle Melchor came to her with the idea.
“It’s really special to me because Izzy battled her entire life with kidney disease, and she passed away in the spring of 2020,” Harnew said. “So now, every year, Code Red has some sort of green, either the shirt is green or we have green on the shirt to honor Izzy Melchor for starting the club.”
With 18 years of education, 10 of which at Crown Point High School, and 9 years sponsoring Code Red, Harnew has taught many children and given them the opportunity to expand their knowledge of chemistry and medicine.
