Mike Schwendemann is Mr. Popular
Mike Schwendemann is one of Huntington High School's most popular teachers. Even students who aren't enrolled in one of the English teacher's courses sing his praises.
The 46-year old came to Huntington in January 2003. He earned a Bachelor's degree in drama and theatre at Queens College in 1986 and obtained a Master in Fine Arts degree in acting at the University of Alabama in 1996. Mr. Schwendemann took additional courses at Long Island University in 2002, securing his English teaching certification.
"Mike is one of the most creative and positive teachers I have had the privilege of working with," Principal Carmela Leonardi said. "He can make literature come alive for his students and can motivate simply by the high energy level he functions at every day. His talent as a director is also very well known. He has established so many positive relationships with students and their parents that everyone knows him and considers themselves fortunate to have him as a teacher. He is a very generous colleague as well and will volunteer to help in any situation. He is definitely a positive force at Huntington High School and we are very proud of him."
Widely known for his energy, sense of humor and animated style of teaching, students say Mr. Schwendemann, fondly referred to as "Schwendy," has a way of bringing subject matter to life. "He's a remarkable teacher," said one teenager. "He's always prepared and puts on a 40-minute performance every day."
"Mike works tirelessly and enthusiastically with and for his students," said Joseph Leavy, district director of humanities. "He has a dedication that goes beyond the classroom and translates into sensitivity to his students needs."
Mr. Schwendemann has served as a club and class advisor and is the guiding force behind Huntington's drama club. Under his tutelage, the club has produced a string of strong plays and musicals and the actors are intensely loyal to their faculty advisor.
In his spare time the teacher has acted in many plays himself. He works hard at his craft and speaks from experience when guiding the young actors at Huntington High School.
Well-liked by his colleagues, Mr. Schwendemann displays an exceptional ability to inspire and motivate students of every background. "He's one of a kind," said a student.
"Mr. Schwendemann is an extraordinary teacher in many ways," said Joan R. Fretz, district director of fine and performing arts. "He has an incredible depth of expertise in theatre and English language arts and an indescribable charisma that draws students into whatever he is teaching."
"Mike Schwendemann exudes an innate jovial nature that is infectious and highly motivating in the classroom, particularly when he teaches Shakespeare, an area of specific strength for him as he has years of experience in performing the plays," Mr. Leavy said.
Huntington alums routinely make their way back to the high school to visit Mr. Schwendemann during college breaks. His mentoring is known to continue long after graduation day and his opinions and insights are valued by many.
"Mr. Schwendemann always has an amusing comment to make learning fun and full of surprises," Ms. Fretz said. "Yet, he is also one of the most sincere and caring teachers I have every met. The personal interest he takes in every student provides them with support and guidance that lasts well beyond their years at the high school. Schwendy is simply one of the gems of Huntington High School."