Meet Laney Park. Mrs. Park is a North Hall High School alumni, an avid reader, a mom, and a helpful hand to all those around her. Mrs. Park works at the Central Office as a K-5 content specialist. She assists elementary schools in managing technology and introducing fun lessons. Mrs. Park dreams of writing a children’s book one day…we would love to read it when she does!
Our Marketing classes enjoyed our time with Mrs. Park and thank her for spending time with us!
Q: Tell us about yourself.
A: “Well, I’m Laney Park, I grew up in Gainesville and went to Mount Vernon. I then went to North Hall Middle and North Hall High School, which I graduated from in 2004. After that, I went to the University of Georgia, and I have three degrees. I have a Bachelors degree, a Masters degree, and a Specialist degree. My Bachelors and Masters are from UGA, while my Specialist Degree was from Valdosta State University. I am a K-5 content specialist, but I was a teacher for 9 years teaching 2nd grade, 3rd grade and 5th grade. Now, I travel out to 20 different elementary schools in the county helping teachers with technology. This mainly includes all the apps on Launchpoint. When I taught, I loved to use technology, which became very evident in my teaching! When I’m not in schools, I work on curriculum. I’m able to create fun lessons that will help elementary students learn and succeed in their learning.”
Q: Tell us about your family.
A: “My dad is a retired eye-doctor, my mom is an artist, and my brother is Mr. Farkas (a biology teacher at North Hall High School). I am also married to Coach Park (the Physical Education teacher at Wauka Mountain Elementary), and we have two kids: a second grader named Hudson, and a fourth grader named Hadley. Both of my kids go to Wauka Mountain.”
Q: What is your favorite thing about North Hall?
A: “I would say the school spirit. The love from the students, teachers, and even the parents is amazing. I love that everyone is proud to be from our school.”
Q: Are there any sports or activities you love here at North Hall?
A: “When I was in high school I went to every football game. I also played Varsity soccer, and recently I’ve been going to the Varsity basketball games since I taught five of the students.”
Q: What are some of your favorite traditions at North Hall?
A: “Senior dress-up day. I loved it as a student, and my brother used to dress up every year with very elaborate costumes.”
Q: Who are some of your favorite faculty or staff members here at North Hall?
A: “I’ve got a couple honestly. But, Coach Childs was my chemistry teacher and I loved him because he was so funny. He also does a very good Mr. Burns impression. There was also another teacher named Coach Bowers who was just so boisterous and loud, but in a good way. He always had really fun and stories, and was just a great history teacher all around.”
Q: Who is someone who inspires you to be better?
A: “I would say my kids. My kids inspire me to be better everyday.”
Q: What are some of your hobbies and interests?
A: “I like to travel and read. When I had kids I sort of stopped reading, but now I’m able to read more since they’ve gotten older. I really started reading back in June, and since then I’ve read about 21 books. My goal for next year is to read about 50 books by the end of the year. Also, I love to go on walks with my husband. Georgia football is also a big part of my hobbies. We watch about every game!”
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?
A: “Growing up we went to this place called Dog Island. My family used to have a house there, and the only way to access the island is through boat actually. It’s very small, but you’d be able to walk out on the beach and be the only ones out there. We used to fish, walk everywhere, and find shells of every kind on the island. Also, we’d go hiking because they had these big ole trees with osprey nests and a single bald eagle nest.”
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met in the community?
A: “I would probably have to say Coach Bowers again. While he was still with us, he was just an incredible man and teacher. Then, after I graduated, I would go to Kroger and see him all the time there. He would just always want to talk and just hear about my life and how I was doing.”
Q: What are some of your favorite restaurants in the community?
A: “Around here, I would probably say Bluefin. Depending on my mood, I’ll either get teriyaki chicken with fried rice, or I’ll get the sushi. More specifically, the Gainesville roll. It’s so good!”
Q: What are some local businesses that make you nostalgic about our community?
A: “One of them I would say would be Syfan Logistics. They support a lot of different businesses and people in the community alongside their charity work. Another one is Poor Richard’s. I just remember going there a lot when I was little.”
Q: What are a few goals or achievements on your bucket list?
A: “I’ve never been to Bahamas, so I’ve always wanted to go there. Also, I want to write a book.”
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
A: “In ten years I’ll be about five years away from retirement, so, there’s that. I hope still working for the county, and being able to help some of the teachers. Maybe even working an admin position one day, but I still want to be here to make an impact on elementary students.”
Q: In hard times, we can sometimes recognize greatness in others. Is there anyone to you who is a positive and shining individual in there hard times?
A: “I’m gonna have to say definitely my husband. He makes a huge impact on the students at Wauka Mountain. He even has this thing called Men of the Mountain where he brings in speakers to teach the young boys about what it means to be a man and how to show respect, things of that nature.”
Q: What would you rate a 10/10?
A: “The T.V. show Yellowstone.”
Q: What advice would you want to give or leave with others?
A: “To be kind. You never know what a lot of people are going through, and just be the nice kid that can help uplift others.”
Love this! Mrs. Park taught my oldest daughter and made a huge impact on her! She will never forget Mrs. Park! She loves her and had so much fun in her class!