hannon

Shawn Hannon was recently appointed to a vacancy on the Pioneer Board of Education. Before his appointment at the Sept. 20 regular meeting, Rev. Hannon and the other candidates were asked,  “Why do you want to be on the board?”

 Rev. Hannon's response:

"What I want is the same thing that has driven my 12 years of public work in this community: I want kids to know that they are beloved.  My work by nature is intergenerational, but anyone who knows me knows that my true passion is the care for and formation of young people.

"I believe that through the various hats I wear in life, I am particularly situated to bring a unique lens to this board’s work. I’m a dad of three kids in two of Pioneer’s four schools. I’m the husband of a teacher. And my work connects me weekly, if not daily, with numerous Pioneer students.

"I’ve talked and listened to them about their experience in our schools, with their teachers and friends, walking these halls. They share with me their struggles and their excitement.

"And if there is anything within my power that I can do to help make sure they have an experience at Pioneer that cares for them, builds character and prepares them for life ahead of them, I want to do it.

 "I’m also the leader of an organization. I understand firsthand what it is to gather people together in a world that is increasingly pushing us apart. I know there is time for conviction and time for conversation. As an organization we frequently talk about the two R's. Responsibility and Reasonability. Our work in these trying times demands both. We have to be responsible, but we have to be reasonable, too.

"Now as a pastor, obviously my faith informs how I see the world and how I act in it. But I do not see any work on this board as an extension of or avenue to pursue a religious agenda.

 "However, what will drive my work on this board is the same expectation that has driven 12 years of work down the street. And that’s the expectation that children should be safe at all times, that children should have fun, and their experience here should be enriching: filling their heads with knowledge; Teaching them to learn, to question, to explore; Building their character and their sense of responsibility to themselves and to each other; so that they are well equipped for life in the present and all that lies ahead.

"I take great pride in the Pioneer community and in our schools. And regardless of this board’s decision tonight, know that I will continue to support you, root for you, and up lift you, while I continue my own work with the same young people. "