Rachel on Mr. Herm Hoffmann – Cherry Hill, New Jersey
Grand Prize Winner
Herm Hoffmann is the man; he’s noble, brave and true,
His example of selfless giving teaches us what we should do.
A hero is a person who helps others with great deeds,
His guidance, patience, and caring nurture us like little seeds.
We hold hands at daily circle where we talk and cheer,
He gives the students tools to succeed academically throughout the year.
Mr. Hoffmann’s science lab is full of tarantulas, lizards, and snakes,
He gives encouragement, personal notes—he’ll do whatever it takes.
The science experiments are awesome—we grow mold, dissect frogs,
We mix chemicals together and put the results in our lab logs.
He coached the girls’ basketball team with a season of 16 to 1,
He let the team shave his head for a job very well done.
Mr. Hoffmann is renovating the courtyard with new tile and brick,
His Environmental Club grows plants and trees; it’s part of what makes him tick.
In October at Cooper River Park the students and parents talk,
They are raising money for Mr. Hoffmann’s Juvenile Diabetes Walk.
He has taught thousands of children over his career of 37 years,
Mr. Hoffmann is respected by parents, students, and by peers.
Last year he beat cancer; at Beck Middle School he continues to lead,
“My students’ energy and enthusiasm are the best medicine that I need.”
Mr. Hoffmann is the most humble, fabulous teacher—it’s true, it is indeed!