Congratulations to Dr. Aaron Jennings on his being sworn in as the Chelsea Rotary President for 2025-2026 and to our three Rotary Educators of the Year, Meg Hawthorne, Rebecca Hernandez-Zamora and Erin Merry! And, thank you to Malik Howshan for being such a wonderful MC for the night!
Elementary Level
Meg Hawthorne, 4th Grade Teacher Hooks Elementary Schools
Meg Hawthorne is currently a 4th grade educator at Hooks Elementary School, with fourteen years of teaching experience. Meg holds her Bachelor's Degree in Educational Psychology with a minor in Neuroscience from Framingham State University and a Master's in Integrated Elementary Education and Special Education from Wheelock University. Meg joined Chelsea Public Schools in 2017. During her time at Hooks Elementary, Meg has served on numerous teams including the Instructional Support Team, Instructional Leadership Team, and Social Emotional Learning Team. She has also worked as a mentor for first year teachers for the past three years, working alongside those new to the Chelsea community, sharing her love of teaching with her mentees. Meg is deeply dedicated to her students and believes in holding all children to the highest of expectations, building relationships with her students and their families, and developing and strengthening inclusive practices across her school. Meg seeks to teach her students that they are capable of anything and that growth and commitment matter above all else. Meg knows all students can succeed with the right support and guidance and hopes to create a lasting positive relationship with each student she has the privilege of working with.
Middle School Level
Rebecca Hernández Zamora, 7th Grade Math Teacher at the Browne Middle School
Rebecca Hernández Zamora is a 7th grade dual language math teacher at Browne Middle School, where she has taught for the past five years. After earning her B.A. from Harvard College and her Ed.M. from the Harvard Graduate School of Education, she joined the Browne community through the Harvard Teacher Fellows program. Rebecca now teaches entirely in Spanish and is passionate about making math accessible, rigorous, and joyful for multilingual learners. In addition to teaching, she serves as the 7th grade team lead and has mentored new educators. She is honored to receive this recognition and proud to be part of the Chelsea Public Schools community.
High School Level
Erin Merry, Chelsea High School Special Education Teacher
Erin Merry is a proud military spouse, mother of four, and passionate educator. As part of a military family, Erin has moved frequently due to her husband’s 25 years of service in the Marine Corps, which has given her the opportunity to teach in a range of schools and communities across the country. Originally from Southern California, Erin graduated from the University of Southern California, where she also played on the women’s water polo team. Though she didn’t initially plan to become a teacher, a college mentor program placed her at Crenshaw High School in Los Angeles—an experience that changed everything. There, she discovered her love for teaching and the impact meaningful connections can have on young people. She began her career in second grade general education but quickly realized her heart was with students in special education. Erin returned to school to earn her special education credentials and has since taught in California, Missouri, and now Massachusetts. At Chelsea High School, she serves as a special education teacher and member of the Navigator pilot program, which reflects her deep belief in the power of relationships. Erin centers her work on seeing and supporting every student’s individual story, strengths, and the barriers they face. She recently completed her Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies in Educational Leadership and earned her principal licensure. In the future, she hopes to lead initiatives focused on restorative practices, equity, and inclusive approaches that ensure all students feel valued and connected. With her husband preparing to retire from the Marine Corps, Erin has found a true sense of purpose and belonging in the Chelsea community—a place where she feels deeply rooted and hopes to continue serving for years to come.
