For some Briarcliff High School graduates, the connection to their alma mater runs deep. Proud to wear the school’s blue and orange, a number of alumni have returned not just to visit, but to work, teach, and support the very community that helped shape them.
Today, approximately a dozen Briarcliff High School graduates are employed throughout the district. We spoke with several of these alumni to learn why they chose to return, what memories stand out from their student days and what continues to make Briarcliff such a special place.
Sara Resnick, Class of 2010
Currently teaching: First grade.
Why Briarcliff?
Growing up in Briarcliff, I was surrounded by incredible teachers who made learning exciting, and I am so grateful for the forever friends and memories I made here. I always admired my teachers and knew, even as a student, that Briarcliff was a special place, one I hoped I might return to someday as a teacher. The strong family support, small town feel, and genuine care for every student make it a truly unique community.
It has been very special getting to work with teachers I had as a student, or who were in the district when I was a student. They have been incredibly supportive and genuinely helpful, especially when I was a new teacher. They went above and beyond to take me under their wing. I hope my first graders walk away with the same positive experience I was lucky enough to have as a child.
Favorite Memories:
The second grade Popcorn Factory, the third grade Rainforest musical, kickball tournaments at Todd, the eighth-grade trip to Washington, D.C., Dr. Muson’s stock market project, my senior internship with Ms. Kiger, and playing varsity field hockey and lacrosse.
Rob Higle, Class of 2003
Currently teaching: Elementary physical education (K-5), running the Action-Based Learning Lab (K-2), and high school health & wellness.
Favorite memory:
My favorite memory as a student is the people I was fortunate to share my experience with at Briarcliff High School. As a student-athlete, much of my time was spent alongside teammates and friends who consistently pushed me, supported me, and shared in both the challenges and successes. The relationships formed in the classroom and on the courts and fields were genuine and long-lasting. My teachers and coaches cared deeply about me as a person, not just as an athlete, which played a meaningful role in my confidence and personal growth. Looking back, it is those authentic connections and shared experiences that define my time at Briarcliff far more than any award ever could.
PT,DPT (formerly Colleen Maguffin), Class of 2011
Currently working as a physical therapist for the district.
Why Briarcliff?
I specifically chose to work at Briarcliff for a meaningful reason. Having personally experienced the impact of out-of-district placements through my youngest sister, who was sent outside the district to receive necessary services, I became deeply aware of how challenging it can be for students and families to be separated from their school community. This experience motivated me to pursue a role on the special services team at Briarcliff. My goal is to provide high-quality physical therapy services to students within the district so they can continue learning, growing, and building relationships as valued members of the Briarcliff community.
Favorite memories:
The incredible field trips and opportunities that were provided: experiences such as visiting the Bronx Zoo, participating in Nature’s Classroom, seeing the Broadway production “Wicked,” and attending Frost Valley were truly special to me. These trips created lasting memories, fostered meaningful connections with classmates and teachers, and played an important role in shaping my love for learning and exploration.
Are any of your teachers still in the district?
Yes, some of my teachers are still here, which has been incredibly special for me. Most of the students I work with are at Todd, and it has been very rewarding to return to the same environment that helped shape my own educational experience. My first-grade teacher, Ms. Leslie Newman, who is now teaching kindergarten, is still here, and I have the privilege of working with her on a daily basis. Additionally, several of my former teachers continue to work hard and make a positive impact in the middle and high school, which truly speaks to the strong sense of community within the district.
James Henkel, Class of 2007
Currently teaching: high school and middle school Spanish.
Reason for becoming a teacher:
I realized in ninth grade that I wanted to become a teacher, being inspired by my own teachers and realizing how I could teach others about subjects that interested me. Those teachers, who have since retired, are Jean-Claire Cotnoir, Anthony Muranelli, Pat Manchisi, and Jerry Porter.
Why Briarcliff?
I chose to work here because of the teachers who inspired me and work in the community that helped make me who I am today. It had always been a thought of mine to be able to return to this community to teach, not knowing however when that would be possible until the opportunity arose.
Favorite memories:
The many hours spent in the World Language lab in AP Spanish, learning how to speak fluently in Spanish; Anthony Muranelli’s jokes and nicknames for all of us students; playing baroque masterpieces in Michael Fraoili’s and Anna Ostrofsky’s orchestras; as part of John Consorti’s varsity football team, playing our hearts out against Pleasantville in 2006 and winning; the inspiring and informative lessons about the world both past and present; the countless hours spent in the fitness center; studying, working and chatting in the old library; and the time spent in Jerry Porter’s room whether it was doing work or simply being in need of a place to hang out between classes, and him inspiring me to turn things around in 10th grade math.
Amanda Schwartz, Class of 1995
Currently teaching: high school special education
Reason for becoming a teacher:
I was a business major at Binghamton University, and after an internship I realized that the business world wasn’t for me. I reflected on my middle school and high school days – I was always helping other students. I also babysat often and was a camp counselor, and I often heard from adults that I should be a teacher. I decided to intern in an elementary school in Binghamton during my senior year to see if it was for me, and I loved it. I earned my degree in business at Binghamton and then attended Fordham University to earn my master’s degree in teaching.
Why Briarcliff?
One of the reasons I became a teacher was because of how much I loved going through the Briarcliff school system from kindergarten to 12th grade. When I decided to become a teacher, my goal was to teach in Briarcliff. I was so lucky to be hired at just 23 years old, right after earning my master’s degree.
