On August 31, Southern Lehigh welcomed a brand new health and physical education teacher, Mr. Matthew Hummel.

“I always liked physical fitness,” Mr. Hummel said. “I like setting things up and organizing activities, and it just kind of made sense for me to become a teacher.”

Mr. Hummel graduated from Temple University with a degree in Health and Physical Education. After working as a restaurant bartender in college, he began teaching in an elementary school in Princeton, New Jersey. Later, he held the position of co-director for the P.E. Department at Memphis Street Academy Charter School.

“I would describe Mr. Hummel as a very passionate, hardworking, dedicated teacher who is excited about this opportunity that he has here at Southern Lehigh,” health and physical education teacher Ms. Megan Dellegrotti said.

When he was younger, Mr. Hummel was involved in baseball and wrestling. No matter what sport he played, his number was always number one. Despite his fear of heights, he also went skydiving with friends.

“He’s enthusiastic and laid back, but he also gets it done,” junior Lauren Deitch said. “He teaches us what we need to know, but he does it in a fun way.”

Mr. Hummel loves listening to seventies’ soul music, and his favorite food is sushi. Outside of school he enjoys working with his hands, going to the beach, and hanging out with friends and family. He and his beagle and cocker spaniel mix, Murphy, share the same birthday.

“I’m really passionate about phys ed and health, and I’m here to help [the students],” Mr. Hummel said.