Mr. Jeffery Hanna, (a.k.a Hanna Banana), who has been a security guard at BA since 2018, is going to be the guest speaker at the Class of 2026 Commencement.

“I wasn’t sure he asked the right security officer; I was honestly shocked and incredibly honored to do it.” said Mr. Hanna, after Mr. Rick Schreier, BAHS principal, invited him to speak to this year’s graduating seniors.

Mr. Schreier is unsure what Mr. Hanna will talk about, but Mr. Hanna brings many good characteristics to the table that he thinks will stick with the graduating class like setting goals, perseverance, and treating people well regardless of your position in life.

“One day we were talking about his high school career, and I thought this story, plus the fact that he is retiring, and Mr. Hanna as also been with the Class of 2026 since they entered middle school, made him an excellent choice,” said Mr. Schreier.

Not only does Mr. Hanna knows the seniors well, but the students know him well. Also, his story from his own high school graduation until now will connect with most of the graduating students.

“He’s a great guy. He stands up for the community and shows up. That’s something we need more of,” stated senior Colin Gibbions.

Mr. Hanna is no stranger when it comes to protecting others. After he graduated in 1979, he entered the workforce until 1982, when he joined the United States Air Force as security police until 1986. In 1988, Mr. Hanna would join the Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) and serve in that capacity until 2009. Finally, in 2018, he came to B-A as a security guard, marking more than 30 years of serving and protecting others.

Outside of school, Mr. Hanna likes to hang out with his family and friends, to go camping, and to cut firewood around his house. Mr. Hanna is unsure what he’ll do in retirement; however, he wants to become a substitute at B-A for a few years.