Benjamin Sharko, a teacher in York Community High School’s English Department, is able to see our school in a way that very few others can. He is a former Duke and graduate of York, which allows him to be able to view the school in two drastically different ways. Sharko’s been able to see the progression of the school over time as both a student and then as part of the York staff.

 “Starting from a young age, in elementary school at Jackson and then Bryan and York, I had some incredible teachers along the way that really saw the potential in me,” Sharko said when asked what inspired him to teach. “I also come from a long line of teachers and growing up I saw how much my parents and family members loved teaching and I found that same passion as well.”

 When Mr. Sharko came back to highschool to begin teaching, he was able to see it from a different point of view. He was able to see changes that are made through the progression of time and how students and the learning environment change and adapt to new things such as technology.

  “I think for the most part technology has made a positive impact on the school such as the Chromebooks and collaborating with your classmates and it’s just easier to communicate.” Sharko said, “Students now have more pressures than when I was in high school.”

 As everyone at York can tell, it is a very spirited school no matter how our sports teams are doing. From homecoming spirit week to themed football games, we all rally together to support The Dukes.

 “The student makeup and culture is the same. It is a highly spirited school with awesome teachers, awesome students, awesome academics and it’s been amped up one more notch since I was a student.” Said Sharko when asked how the school as a whole has changed.

Benjamin Sharko in his York High School year book picture during his first year of working here, 2015.Many people choose to live in Elmhurst due to the great community and award winning schools.

 “I was ecstatic. I thought it was a unique opportunity to work at the school that I was a student in and get to work with my former teachers who are now my colleagues.” Said Sharko on his initial reaction when he got the job offer to work at York. “I think Elmhurst is an awesome community so I was excited to be back in Elmhurst as a teacher and part of that community.”