This is the first of a two-part series introducing the newest members of our BCACS Family. This week we focus on St. Philip Catholic Central High School. To read part two, click here.
St. Philip Catholic Central High School welcomes new staff members [l. to r.] Hana Pfost, Morgan Trojacek, Tony Wojcik, and Michelle Fuller
Hana Pfost, St. Philip High School Social Studies/AP History
Hana Pfost answered her educator call early.
“I’ve always enjoyed working with kids, and when I got to college, I wanted a career that I could make a difference doing,” Hana said. “I love history and learning about how the world functions, so teaching social studies felt like a natural fit.”
Hana graduated from Western Michigan University in 2012, after which she taught in Coolidge, Arizona for several years.
Having relocated back to Michigan recently, Hana learned of the open St. Philip High School social studies position from St. Philip math teacher Nikki Van Pelt.
“I wanted to find a school that was a community and St. Phillip seemed like the perfect fit,” Hana said.
Hana is excited to see her students grow and discover their passions.
“I am looking forward to getting to know the staff and students and getting to be a part of the school,” Hana said.
Morgan Trojacek, St. Philip High School English/AP English
Morgan Trojacek became an English teacher to repay a debt.
“Reading has shaped me into the person I am today,” Morgan said. “The least I can do is channel together my passion for books and for people, and hopefully present literature to high schoolers that can open the door for a life-changing, formative experience.”
Morgan graduated from Christendom College, where she won awards as a writer and developed a college RCIA curriculum.
Pursuing a graduate degree at Western Michigan University, Morgan moved with her husband to Battle Creek. A happy St. Philip parishioner, Morgan was “delighted” when the Language Arts position opened at St. Philip High School.
“I’m most looking forward to getting to know my students better and watching them excel in their work,” Morgan said. “Few things make me happier than a student who is proud of a well-crafted essay or who is engaged in a good book.”
Anthony Wojcik, St. Philip High School Theology
Tony Wojcik’s first name is Anthony, but he jokes he’s “only Anthony when my mother is mad at me.”
A retired Navy dentist, Tony moved to Battle Creek in 2008 to be a dentist for the Veterans Administration. The Wojciks enrolled their children in the Battle Creek Area Catholic Schools. Thumb arthritis forced Tony to medically retire, sparking a new journey.
“After retirement, I felt the calling to further my education in Catechetics, but I did not know why at the time,” Tony said.
Tony enrolled at the Franciscan University in Steubenville, earning his Masters in Evangelization and Catechetics.
“When I was asked to substitute at St. Philip High School and then asked by [principal] Vicky Groat to teach Theology, God’s plan became clearer to me,” Tony said. “I look forward to helping our children to fall in love with Jesus Christ, his Holy Catholic Church, and our Catholic Schools.”
Michelle Fuller, St. Philip High School Student Services/Senior Internship
Michelle Fuller, whose sons are BCACS alumni, has a distinguished career in numbers.
A registered CPA, Michelle worked as a Deloitte & Touche auditor and a mid-sized company finance manager/controller, before embarking on a 17-year finance career with the Kellogg Company.
It was her longstanding service as a Junior Achievement volunteer that had Michelle thinking about a career in education.
“The clincher was when the teacher whose classroom I delivered my JA class this spring said I had missed my calling, that I was ‘a natural teacher’,” Michelle said.
Michelle consulted Vicky Groat about the requirements for a teaching certificate when the St. Philip High School student services position opened.
“I think this is a great position for me to mentor and coach young people on their path in God’s Kingdom as well as share my knowledge and skills from my 25-year career to “teach” the internship program,” Michelle said.