Story & Photos by Izayah Cates
“A good teacher can inspire hope, ignite the imagination, and instill a love of learning,” said former Oklahoma Governor Brad Henry.
Justice Hatfield is an art teacher at Grand Island Senior High (GISH). He has been teaching and inspiring young people for 21 years in Grand Island. He also taught at Barr Middle School before coming to GISH.
Hatfield says Mr. Kasson and Mr. Duffy are the people who inspired him to be a teacher. Mr. Duffy was his fifth grade social studies teacher, and Mr. Kasson was one of his other fifth grade teachers. ¨Mr. Duffy showed me kindness in the fact that he saw in my notes when I was taking my test an answer to my question, and he just showed me kindness,” said Hatfield. “They were both good people that showed me how to spread kindness.¨
This plays a big part in why Mr. Hatfield is one of the kindest teachers here at GISH. Mr. Hatfield cares about all of his students and wants them all to know that. “I love when I see a kid not only have a good idea, but also be proud of how they succeeded,” said Hatfield. “The conversations with the kids are what makes my day.”
Mr. Hatfield is passionate about art, and is fortunate to have art in his life. “On the base level, there is a way I can express myself as a human being, but I’ve also been able to provide for my family,” said Hatfield. “It helps me put food on the table.”
When asked what Mr. Hatfield wants people to know about the subject of art, he replied, “How to visually express themselves, and express their inner selves. When I was a little kid my parents purchased me things for art, and I fell in love right then and there; so much that my mother had to throw me outside.”
There are multiple ways to enjoy art outside of school, but Hatfield’s way of doing it is by painting and acrylic art. Along with creating art, he also loves to play video games, tabletop games, camping, fishing, and napping.
Although Hatfield is currently teaching he says, “I’d love to be a hiking guide, or a kayak instructor.”
Luckily for his students, Mr. Hatfield is planning to teach, and inspire, for years to come.
The Islander 