Musketeer Monday Part Three: Matt Hawker

Welcome to Musketeer Monday, a weekly series in which we feature students and staff around the Central Islip School District. If you’re interested in nominating a fellow Musketeer, please click the link below to submit your nomination:

Musketeer Monday Form

Musketeer Monday Part Three: Mr. Matt Hawker, Social Studies Teacher, CIHS

Q: School / Grade / Subject(s) Taught / Area of Work
A: I teach 11th grade U.S. History & Government at the high school in the Social Studies Department.

Q: How many years of experience in education, teaching, or your current field do you have?
A: I have 26 years of experience in Central Islip and 27 years of teaching overall.

Q: What inspired you to pursue a career in education (or your current field)?
A: I was inspired by my father, Carl Hawker, who was a former Central Islip teacher and coach.

Q: What do you enjoy most about being part of this school/district community?
A: The feeling of CI Pride was instilled in me as a young child. The community truly feels like family, and I am proud to both live and work in the district.

Q: What do you consider the most rewarding part of your job?
A: The most rewarding part of my job is knowing that students vote for me every year as the most school-spirited teacher.

Q: What’s a memorable moment you’ve had with students or colleagues?
A: A memorable moment for me is dressing up as historical figures to teach lessons. Years later, students still tell me they remember when I dressed up as Alexander Hamilton, Julius Caesar, or even a hippie from the 1960s.

Q: Please list a teacher or staff member that has made a positive impact on you in this district and explain why.
A: My sister, Melissa Romano, has had a major impact on me. She paved the way for me as a teacher and helped shape me into the educator I am today.

Q: What’s your favorite event or tradition in our schools?
A: My favorite traditions are Spirit Week and holiday dress-up, including caroling around the district in costume.

Q: Where did you grow up and go to school?
A: I grew up in Lake Ronkonkoma and attended the Sachem Central School District.

Q: Do you have a favorite book, movie, or TV show? Tell us about them!
A: My favorite movie is A Bronx Tale (1993) because it is simply a classic.

Q: Do you have a favorite quote or motto you live by?
A: My favorite motto is “It is what it is!”

Q: What are some activities you do in your spare time outside of school?
A: I was a kickboxing instructor for 15 years as a second job outside of teaching. I also enjoy going out to dinner with family and friends and love an occasional Sunday brunch.

Q: If you could have dinner with any historical figure or celebrity, who would it be?
A: I would choose to have dinner with John Fitzgerald Kennedy, my favorite president.

Q: If you weren’t in education or the field you're in now, what career would you choose?
A: I would become a florist. I find arranging flowers and mixing colors to be a creative outlet—and I joke that since I'm always warm, sticking me in a refrigerated cooler to cut stems would be perfect.

Q: What’s one thing on your bucket list (travel, skill, experience)?
A: One thing on my bucket list is to visit the Maldives in the Indian Ocean—minus a tsunami.