Get to Know 'Em

MEET JEFFREY MARTENSON

Jeffrey Martenson is the Dean of Students with Support Services.

What is your favorite memory from your own high school experience?

My favorite memory was being the last place seed in section basketball playoffs and beating the #1 seed at the buzzer (I was on the bench for most of this experience)!

If you could go anywhere in the world, where would that be and why?

My wife and I are still waiting to take our honeymoon. We dream of an extended vacation in Italy and Greece. It looks beautiful, and my wife is part Italian.

What is your favorite go-to snack?

Salsa verde and tortilla chips (when my wife isn 't home to monitor me - Jalapeño Kettle Chips)!

What is your favorite thing about Irondale High School?

The easy answer is the kids, but I imagine that is most people ' s answer. The staff' s commitment to "joy " is part of their day. It is easy to come to work when the people you interact with are dedicated to being positive.

MEET JACLYN LARSON

Jaclyn Larson is the Dean of Students with the last names Per-St.

What is your favorite memory from your own high school experience?

I am very social, so my favorite, or long-lasting, memories are from the relationships I built with my peers, teachers, and Mr. Savage, our Assistant Principal. He cultivated a school climate where students felt heard and represented. I try to do the same for my students.

If you could go anywhere in the world, where would that be and why?

India. My father-in-law was born and raised in India. His upbringing shaped his entire life. I would love to see and experience firsthand the joy he shares when telling the stories of his childhood. Also, Indian food is my favorite.

What is your favorite go-to snack? Lay potato chips and Top the Tater

What is your favorite thing about Irondale High School?

The people! Everyone from the moment you enter the building, staff, students, and admin are greeting you, checking in, laughing, and enjoying one another. The climate of Irondale is unbeatable!

MEET KEVIN GAHONA

Kevin Gahona is the Equity Specialist and an Irondale alumnus.

What is your favorite memory from your own high school experience?

My favorite memory in high school was connecting with my peers during school and playing soccer after school.

If you could go anywhere in the world, where would that be and why?

If I could go to one place, I would pick the Galapagos Islands because it exotic and there is so much to do over there. I have seen pictures and videos of what you could do, and I find it interesting.

What is your favorite go to snack?

Doritos Flamas are the best chips. Never get tired of them, but if I want something sweet I would want some brownies.

What is your favorite thing about Irondale High School?

So far my favorite part of Irondale has to be the community. It is nice to be back after four years.

MEET KATE BENNETT

Kate Bennett is an Associate Principal.

What is your favorite memory from your own high school experience?

Winning the state championship for volleyball two times

If you could go anywhere in the world, where would that be and why?

Fiji so I can stay in one of those rooms that sits over the water and scuba dive whenever I want.

What is your favorite go to snack?

Reese ' s peanut butter cups.

What is your favorite thing about Irondale High School?

Being a part of a collaborative and supportive community both inside and outside of the school.

MEET ANDRE BARNES

Andre Barnes is a Social Studies Teacher

What is your favorite memory from your own high school experience?

My favorite memory definitively stems from what pushed me toward teaching in the first place. Back in 2009, during my own sophomore experience, I was pretty uninterested in school. To me, it had become an academic purgatory, a daily speed bump keeping me from my friends! Over the course of that year though I found myself incredibly frustrated with the quality of instruction I was receiving from my geography teacher. It has gotten so bad that I challenged him out right to teach the class for him. My opportunity came much sooner than I expected during our Civil War unit. I related the division of the Union & Confederacy to the East Coast vs. West Coast beef of the late 1990s. After this new and exciting experience of helping my classmates better understand the content, I was hooked. I found what I was good at! Teaching seemed like the career for me, that kickstarted my journey toward a life of molding young minds!

If you could go anywhere in the world, where would that be and why?

Sheeeeeeeeeesh, probably Japan! It' s always been a place of great mystery to me. As a true Weeb, what else would you expect?

What is your favorite go to snack?

Mozzarella sticks.

What is your favorite thing about Irondale High School?

The friendly and supportive staff! I slowly continue to feel more a part of our Knight community and I hope to be here teaching for many years to come! There ' s no other place I'd rather serve our youth. IRON SHARPENS IRON! MEET GREG VON RUDEN

Greg Von Ruden is a Student Success Coach & Boys Basketball Assistant Coach

What is your favorite memory from your own high school experience?

Athletics and friendships.

If you could go anywhere in the world, where would that be and why?

Backpacking through Europe.

What is your favorite go to snack?

Peanut butter and jelly.

MEET LUCAS SALOTTI

Lucas Salotti is a Multilingual teacher

What is your favorite memory from your own high school experience?

My favorite memory from my own high school experience is the knowledge I acquired in my language classes – Portuguese, Spanish and English. I have always loved world languages! That was definitely the start of a long journey of discovering the magic and power of being able to communicate in more than one language. Nowadays, I want to provide that experience to all of my students.

If you could go anywhere in the world, where would that be and why?

If I could go anywhere in the world, I would choose Italy. My great-grandparents migrated from Italy to Brazil in the beginning of the 1900s. My great-grandfather had a long life and I got to grow up with him. However, I was never able to have real and deep conversations about his past due to my age - I was 7 when he passed away. The little I know about his life I learned from my grandparents and parents. Therefore, I would love to visit his hometown (the province of Massa-Carrara) and learn more about its history. Also, Italy is a beautifully built country, full of historical details, and has great food and people.

What is your favorite go to snack?

My favorite go to snack is Cheez-it. These crackers are perfect to combine with anything, anytime of the day. They go well with breakfast food, with salad or sandwich for lunch, and with burger or steak for dinner.

What is your favorite thing about Irondale High School?

My favorite thing about Irondale High School is the building culture. Students, teachers and staff members are committed to success. The collective efforts in order to create a space for students to thrive as well as to provide individualized and extra support for them are noticeable. I also love the fact that every individual is honored and every singularity is appreciated at Irondale High School. Last but not least, I have been very happy for the connections I have made (with staff members and students) and grateful for being part of this amazing team! MEET LAURA ZUGSCHWERT

Laura Zugschwert is a Language Arts teacher.

What is your favorite memory from your own high school experience?

My favorite memory from high school was participating in our annual Snow Week at Burnsville High School. We had a week-long competition in February where we created a team and competed in academic challenges during the day and athletic challenges, such as dodgeball and boot hockey, at night. It definitely brought our student body closer together and created a fun atmosphere in an uneventful part of the year.

If you could go anywhere in the world, where would that be and why?

If I could go anywhere in the world, I'd love to visit Germany and Austria. My stepdad was born in Berlin and I'd love to see where he grew up and where he traveled to when he was younger. I also am interested in visiting historical sites from World War II.

What is your favorite go to snack?

My favorite go-to snack is cheese, jam, and chocolate.

What is your favorite thing about Irondale High School?

My favorite thing about Irondale is how welcoming everyone has been. I just recently moved here from Chicago and was nervous about the adjustment, but the staff, admin, and students have made me feel so accepted and known here already!