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Frank Ohl’s Swavel is a class act
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Neighbors | Sarah Foor.After Jeff Swavel (right) was announced as WFMJ’s Class Act winner by reporter Mark Monstrola, nominating student Erica Ferguson (center) showed off her smile after the successful surprise.
By SARAH FOOR
When WFMJ bounded into Frank Ohl Intermediate and made Jeff Swavel a WFMJ Class Act on Nov. 5, it wasn’t the balloons or cameras or the surprise that he enjoyed the most. It was that his student, Erica Ferguson, let him know he was appreciated.
“Looking at me,” Swavel said lightheartedly, “people may not know that I’ve only been a teacher for three years.”
He quit his job as vice president at Staples Corporate office in Boston and went back to graduate school to earn a teaching degree. He took winning this recognition as a sign that he made the right choice.
“Yes, it’s wonderful to be told that you’re doing a good job, especially after what some people call a crazy career change.”
Ferguson explained her nomination with a giggle.
“He’s just so much fun! I got to know him during our biography project. I was an odd number and ended up without a partner, so I had to interview him and write a biography. He had me laughing the whole time.”
Hearing Ferguson’s reason for her nomination, Swavel’s face brightened.
“I get paid much less than I did before, but it’s so worth it. I’m a million times happier.”