Mrs. Ryersen
has been a special education teacher for fifteen years at BHS, with a teaching career of over thirty years. “after decades powered by Diet Coke, lesson plans, and trying to remember whether it’s an A, B, C, or D day (spoiler: I still don’t know), it’s time to trade in my dry-erase markers for golf clubs and pickleball paddles.” She is looking forward to “spending more time with friends and family, perfecting [her] backswing, logging “serious” beach hours at the Jersey Shore, reading for fun, traveling, and dipping [her] toes into part-time college teaching – because apparently, [she] can’t quit whiteboards cold turkey.” However, she has been part of the groove of BHS for so long she will ultimately miss her life lessons from students and colleagues and the wild run. She “wouldn’t change a thing.”
Sra. Bracero has taught at Bernards for eighteen years, teaching Spanish Language I, II, Spanish III Honors, Spanish IV- Honors (Culture and Communication), and Spanish V Honors. Before Bernards, she taught at a private elementary through middle school for six years and taught for half a year at Hopatcong High School. When asked what her favorite memory is, she mentions how on her first few days teaching “one student raised his hand to ask a question. [She] remembered feeling such a joy to know [her] students were interested in learning. In retirement she is looking forward to, “spending time with family; to enjoy reading more, to travel during months that [she] has not been able to travel for a long time and to get more involved with [her] church and community. However, she will miss the connections she has made with her students and the colleagues who taught her many life lessons. She will continue to stay in contact with those who have become her friends. She feels “blessed to have discovered this profession later in life and felt like she found her true passion.” She feels grateful and honor every day to be working with such a great group of professionals.
Mr. Lallis has worked in the district since 1996 and has been working in the history department for over twenty-nine years using his expeiriences to recount events and give students a deeper understanding of the topic. He taught many social studies classes, such as US History 1, US History 2, Intro to Psychology, and Sociology. His assignments were never boring and offered more insight to the subject, making students use their own judgment and opinion to answer questions or create projects. Handing out mints and colored pencils, Mr. Lallis created a creative and warm environment for his students. Many students enjoyed his stories and life lessons. Students will miss his enthusiasm for teaching and passion for history.
Dr. Hogge is wrapping up his 25th year Bernards High School, where he’s taught AP U.S. History I and II and AP European History. Over the years, he’s brought energy and insight to the classroom, inspiring students through thoughtful discussions about history, sports, music, and current events. His favorite memory is sharing BHS with his children: “I remember my sons rolling down the hill beside the baseball field and chasing after foul balls, as well as my daughter helping me hand out materials in class for Bring Your Daughter to Work Day. I guess the real answer is sharing my enjoyment of being a part of BHS with my children.” In retirement, he’s looking forward to traveling with his wife, spending more time with his children and grandchildren, writing a book, and exploring new ways to teach history through adult classes, podcasts, and YouTube. What he’ll miss most is “the daily interaction with students,” which he calls the true joy of teaching. Each day brought something new—and that’s what made it all worthwhile.
Mr. Brothers moved to Bernardsville in 2005 and started coaching freshman football and varsity wrestling in 2006. He started teaching PE and Life Skills in 2007 at BHS. He then started coaching varsity lacrosse in 2010. Before BHS, he taught and coached three sports for twelve years at Columbia High School. Before Columbia, he taught at Hillside and Elizabeth High School. A long-time coach at Bernards, his favorite memory was winning both the State Sectional and Group State championships in boys lacrosse in the spring 2024 season. Students will miss his greatness and pizzazz. During retirement, he looks forward to visiting his three kids, golfing “a lot”, spending time at the beach, and with friends. He will spend his next chapter with his wife in Florida and LBI. He will truly miss Bernards, especially coaching wrestling and lacrosse, the wonderful relationships made with the staff and student body. When asked what he would miss the most, he said, “ It was an amazing time and truly an incredible run at BHS. I’m so grateful and fortunate that I was able to be with my three children every step of the way since all three went through Kindergarten up to twelfth grade.
Dr. Hogge, Mr. Brothers, Sra. Bracero, Mrs. Ryersen, and Mr. Lallis are all loved and appreciated dearly by the BHS community. We wish them all the best and a happy retirement.
