Class of 2004 Southern Lehigh alumna Mrs. Christa Paul is once again roaming the hallways of her alma mater. At the start of the 2024-2025 school year, she replaced Mr. Edward Sinkler who retired in June. Upstairs in room 208, she teaches Biology and Environmental Science for 9th, 11th, and 12th-grade students.
“Coming back here was something I wanted to do because I had really good experiences here with being a student,” said Mrs. Paul.
In 2008, she graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Biology from Moravian University. Then, in 2012, she earned her master’s in secondary education at Cedar Crest College. More recently, in 2021 she graduated from Clemson University with her master’s in Biology for teaching. Before coming to Southern Lehigh, she taught science in the Upper Perkiomen and Pennsbury School Districts.
When she was an instructional aide and a coach for the volleyball team, she realized she wanted to make a difference by becoming a teacher. Wanting to make an impact in students’ lives, she went back to school to become a teacher. After joining the Southern Lehigh staff, she knew it was going to be a tough adjustment, but the community has welcomed her.
“Students have been awesome so far,” Mrs. Paul said. “The teachers here are very welcoming, and I appreciate it. It doesn’t even feel like I’m new anymore.”
Outside of school, Mrs. Paul has a husband and two sons. She spends most of her time driving her kids to sports and cheering them on. When not spending time with her family, she enjoys reading, shopping, walking, and being outside.
Mrs. Paul is excited to become part of our Spartan community and take on new challenges throughout the school year. Her main focus is to help students find success during their high school career, both in and outside of the classroom, and create a positive environment. She offers one piece of advice to her students.
“Try to get involved, make connections with peers and teachers,” Mrs. Paul said. “Do what you can to contribute to a positive school community.”
Mrs. Paul makes return to Southern Lehigh
Mrs. Paul is eager to help her student be successful inside and outside of the classroom.
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About the Contributor
Kelcie Wagner, Sports and Entertainment Editor
Since enrolling in journalism as a freshman, senior Kelcie Wagner has taken on several different roles as a member of the Spotlight staff, proving to be a prominent leader and integral part of the editorial team. She is currently a fourth-year staff reporter, second-year Entertainment editor, and first-year Sports editor.
Wagner initially decided to take journalism because of her strong interest in writing, but she also credits her eighth grade English teacher, Mrs. Dana Kleppinger, who encouraged Kelcie to join the Spotlight, as she believed she would be a perfect fit.
Four years later, Wagner is glad she stuck with it, as it has been a rewarding journey. Her favorite parts about her experience have been creating memories with the staff and sharing the Spotlight with the school community on distribution days.
“All of the memories I shared with the editors will stick with me for a lifetime,” Wagner said.
Outside of journalism, Wagner spent 13 years as a cheerleader, and believes the sport has left a lasting impact on her.
“I have cheered since kindergarten. I originally joined the sport because I wanted to take after my sister, but as I continued to do it, I really enjoyed it,” Wagner said. “After doing [Cheer] for so long, it has definitely made me the person I am today and taught me so many life lessons.”
During high school, Wagner also was a part of both the Winter and Spring Track & Field teams, throwing shotput and discus.
“Being a part of track has been the biggest blessing of my life. Both the team and the coaches are always very supportive,” said Wagner. “I will forever remember the memories I have made with the team, and especially with the other throwers.”
Wagner has also been a member of a lot of clubs during her time at Southern Lehigh. Since she likes to be involved, this includes Student Council, Varsity Club, Mini-thon, Angel 34, and Morgan’s Message.
Wagner also credits her teachers, especially art teacher Mrs. Stephanie Donald, for making SLHS feel like a second home.
“Mrs. Donald has always made me feel continuously supported no matter what, and I will truly remember her kindness for the rest of my life,” Wagner said. “Throughout knowing her since freshman year, she has never failed to make me laugh or make my day ten times better, whether I am having a good day or not.”
Next year, Wagner will attend Penn State University, where she plans to study security risk analysis.
“I have always wanted to do something with the government, whether that was being a police officer or a desk job,” Wagner said. “But I settled on security risk analysis because one of my best friends told me about it, and I researched more about it and fell in love with it.”
As she prepares to move on to the next chapter of her life, Wagner leaves a piece of advice for underclassmen.
“Don’t take anything for granted,” she said. “Even if you have two years left of high school, live every moment out like it will be your last because nothing lasts forever.”