“The faculty at Queensborough helped open my eyes to what I could truly accomplish,” says future teacher James Geasor.

For twenty-three years, Westbury resident James Geasor worked as a printer.  He attended The Julliard School for music after high school, but his interest in graphic design drew him to the field in which he spent most of his working life.  When, Jim decided it was time to change careers, he came to Queensborough to begin to fulfill his goal to become a high school English teacher.

By the time he graduated from Queensborough this year, Jim was the recipient of many honors including the Ray Ricketts Memorial Award for returning students who exhibit exceptional scholarship and leadership.  At Queensborough’s Commencement on June 1, 2007, he received one of the six top honors for graduating students - The Thomas R. Jennings Memorial Award for the outstanding graduating student in the Liberal Arts and Sciences.

Jim is now pursuing his bachelor’s degree at Hofstra University studying both English and Secondary Education on an academic scholarship.  He maintained a 3.8 G.P.A. his first semester there.

As the realization of his career dream grows closer, Jim reflects back on the exceptional faculty at Queensborough and the personal attention he received. Dr. Sheena Gillespie, Chairperson of the English Department, was an inspiring mentor for him. “She exposed me to great literature and encouraged my writing,” says Jim. “She’s really helped me to succeed in my goals.” Read the article "A printer, poet and teacher" featuring Jim in the Great People column of the New York Daily News.