News & Events

Griffin Hanes, a native of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, joins our Lower School to work with the first grade team as a Teaching Associate and will coach three seasons in our athletics program. He enjoyed a decorated academic and athletic career in high school and was a highly-recruited lacrosse player, matriculating at Christopher Newport University, where he majored in history and minored in environmental studies while starring on a talented, nationally-ranked Division III men’s lacrosse team. He is a trained open ocean rescue lifeguard and has recently worked in our summer programs as a lifeguard.

Tell us why you wanted to become an educator:
I've always had great role models in my life and felt a calling to serve others in some capacity. Being an educator with the ability to help children grow academically, athletically, and morally on a daily basis is the job for me.

What most excites you about working at Norfolk Academy?
Working with an incredible faculty and staff who share the same goal of seeing students succeed in all facets of life.

Norfolk Academy is unique because…
The people. I've never been around so many kind and supportive individuals. It is remarkable how much everyone cares for one another, the students, and Norfolk Academy.

Last book read: 
Breathe: A Life in Flow by Rickson Gracie

What do you like to do in your own time/when you’re not working?
I love the ocean and my friends so surfing and hanging out on the beach with good people is where you can find me.

Favorite food?
Paxtang Avenue Burger from The Paxtang Grill in Harrisburg.

A movie is being made about your life. Who would they cast to play you?
Brad Pitt. ... Realistically Adam DeVine.

Fun fact your students might find surprising:
In second grade I wanted to be the first priest to climb Mount Everest.

“When I grow up, I want to be…”
A professional surfer.