As the school year comes to a close, Nathan Hale High School prepares to say goodbye to two teachers whose combined decades of service have left a lasting impact on students, staff and the school community.
Mary Sierchio, a key member of the special education department, has worked at Nathan Hale since 2018. William Anderson, a science teacher who has spent his career focused on biology and chemistry, is retiring after 26 years at the school.
Before joining the Shoreline School District in 2010, Sierchio held a variety of jobs. After moving from New Jersey, she worked as a mail carrier at a bank. Her sister also opened a flower shop, Lake City Florist. Eventually, Sierchio found her way into education, starting in Shoreline schools before moving to Nathan Hale.
At Nathan Hale, Sierchio initially worked in the medically fragile program before transitioning to a special education classroom. Asked what she will miss most, Sierchio said, “Oh, a ton. The people, the students, the community. I love all the things that go on here—horticulture, the plays, the newspaper, the radio station. This is just a really cool school.”
After retirement, Sierchio looks forward to traveling and spending time with her family.
“I have a former student in Germany I’d love to visit, and I go back to New Jersey at least once a year. My husband is retiring, too, so we’re ready to enjoy that time together,” she said.
For Anderson, teaching at Nathan Hale has been a career built on meaningful relationships and a passion for science.
“I’ve had a lot of really great students over the years,” Anderson said. “And the staff in my department—they’ve been a pleasure to work with. That’s what I’ll miss the most.”
Anderson’s tenure at Hale includes teaching chemistry, biology, physics and biochemistry. He has spent years helping students engage with science and think critically. Now, he looks forward to focusing on other interests outside the classroom.
“There are so many things I want to do in retirement—I’m going to run out of time,” he said with a laugh.
One passion in particular stands out: outrigger canoe racing.
“I get to train a lot more and compete more. I’m heading to Australia and New Zealand for races. It’s something I’ve wanted to fully dive into for a while,” Anderson said.
Before he leaves, Anderson offered some advice for the graduating class: “Don’t stress if you don’t know exactly what you want to do yet. It’s early. It will change. Just try really hard, and if you do, good things will happen.”
As Nathan Hale says farewell to these two outstanding educators, the community does so with gratitude, admiration and a touch of sadness. Their contributions will not be forgotten, and their legacies—rooted in compassion, curiosity and connection—will continue to inspire for years to come.
