With a new year comes new experiences and most importantly, new teachers. Mr. Pennix, Rosary’s newest English teacher and basketball coach, shared with the Royal Reporter some fun facts about himself and his thoughts on the upcoming year.
Q: How long have you been teaching, and what initially drew you to Rosary?
A: I have been an educator for 19 years. I saw the ad for Rosary and responded because I was already familiar with the area and wanted to find a place where I could both teach and coach basketball. Luckily, this turned out to be the perfect combination.
Q: What struck you first about our school?
A: How kind the students are to one another. Most schools will tell you how great their kids are, but here at Rosary, it’s not exaggerated.
Q: How would you describe yourself?
A: Very introverted. I really keep to myself.
Q: What’s your favorite book?
A: “White Noise” by Don Delillo. It’s a criticism of modern society and how the “white noise” of our obligations, technology, and culture can dull our lives and relationships with one another. Automation is taking so many jobs; I see it in the Amazon Fresh near my house. That’s actually why I don’t like self-checkout at grocery stores. My kids complain, but I like going through an actual human person.
Q: What’s your favorite movie/television show?
A: Movie? That’s hard to pick. I’ll give you my top four: “Back to the Future II,” “Snatch,” “Cinderella Man,” and “King of New York.” My favorite television shows are “The Wire” and “Arrested Development.” I like “The Wire” because it’s a gritty drama, and “Arrested Development” because I can fall asleep to it. I like having something in the background when I sleep.
Q: What’s your favorite type of music and which musician specifically?
A: I really love the Wu-Tang Clan and old-school rap. Some people are very opinionated about the question of East Coast versus West Coast rap, but I listen to it all. I also like the bands Interpol and Beirut. I went with my wife to see Beirut up in LA a few years ago for my birthday, and it was so great and so much fun.
Q: What is your favorite place you’ve ever been to?
A: I was born in Spain, but moved to the Bay Area when I was very young. I don’t really travel much because of my obligations with work, but I really liked Maine. It was so peaceful and quiet and I enjoyed getting away with my family.
The Rosary community is very excited to get to know Mr. Pennix, both in the classroom and on the court. We hope that he continues to feel welcome and at home with the Royals.
