The loss of a member of the Benilde-St. Margaret’s community is never welcome, but at the end of the 2011 school year Mr. Mick Hawkins, an English teacher, will graciously step aside to make way for a younger generation of teachers.

Mr. Hawkins, who has worked at BSM for nearly 17 years, has made the decision to “graduate”––his preferred term––along with the senior class. “I like the analogy of graduation, I think it is a really appropriate analogy. When you’re a senior and you graduate, there’s this big world out there, and that’s what I’m looking forward to,” said Mr. Hawkins.

While prompted by common motivations for retirement, like time to relax and be open to new experiences, Mr. Hawkins was also motivated by the prospect of another younger and more capable teacher taking his place. “I don’t have the skill levels with the new technology to be able to bring the students forward. I know there are some young and vibrant people out there who have been trained in the technology who could do a very good job here. For the good of the students and the good of the school, I thought it was time to move on,” said Mr. Hawkins.

Walking away from a community will be a challenge, but the ease with which Mr. Hawkins was able to approach his departure has added to his positive view of his current position. “The school did a wonderful job, and it was not at all complicated [to retire]. I’m anticipating that I am going to miss some of the banter that takes place [in my classes], but this spot is a wonderful spot. I think the word I would use is ‘opportunity,’ the faculty and students have given me a wonderful opportunity,” said Mr. Hawkins.