Though perhaps a stranger to students, math teacher Liz Lovell is no stranger to Hoban. Returning to the school after a six-year hiatus, she teaches Introductory Algebra and Intermediate Algebra I to freshmen and sophomores.

Lovell worked here from 1991 through 1999, teaching the same courses she does now. She did some long-term substitute jobs before coming back.

"Hoban was my first real teaching job that was [in] my own classroom," Lovell said.

She left Hoban to raise her family.

"In my mind I didn't think I could do the 'mom thing' and also spend enough time preparing for teaching," Lovell said. "So [principal Mary Anne] Beiting said it was my decision, and she let me go."

Lovell was at home with her two daughters, Marisa and Erika, for seven years just being "mom." She did not stray far from teaching, tutoring Hoban students at her home in the evenings.

Lovell, a Stow native, received degrees in math and education at Kent State University. She said she decided to become a teacher because people said she was good at explaining things, a crucial quality for math teachers.

In the past seven years, numerous changes have been made at Hoban including the introduction of SmartBoards.

"To the other teachers, I am the 'old-school chalkboard lady,'" Lovell said laughing, "I am not used to all the new technology here."

Another obvious change is the uniform shirts.

"The school shirts are really nice," Lovell said. "I love all the colors."

Lovell said she likes to spend time with her husband, Tim, and watch her daughters, now ages 6 and 8, play soccer. She enjoys listening to '80s bands, although she also likes listening to modern music.

"I love going to concerts," she said. "My favorite band is probably Rush."