Mr. Will Wolf joined the History Department in August. He comes to Georgetown Prep from Canisius High School in Buffalo, New York. A native Buffalonian, he graduated from Canisius in 2009 and matriculated to Xavier University where he earned a B.S. in History with a minor in Secondary Education. After finishing his undergraduate studies, Mr. Wolfe returned to Canisius where he spent the past seven years teaching classes in global studies, AP World History, government, and economics. He also served as head JV Baseball coach, Student Government moderator, Director of the Alumni Volunteer Corps, and led several immersion trips to Cincinnati and Nicaragua. Most recently, Mr. Wolf completed his graduate studies at Canisius College, earning his M.S. in education with a focus on differentiated instruction.
Tell us about yourself.
I am originally from Buffalo, New York where I grew up as the oldest of three boys in our family. I became hooked on Jesuit education during my four years of high school at Canisius High School. When it came time to choose a college, I knew I wanted to be at a Jesuit school again because of the academic excellence and strong foundation of community that Jesuit schools offer. I made my way from Buffalo to Cincinnati and enrolled at Xavier University where I earned a B.S. degree in history. One of the highlights for me at Xavier was working behind the scenes in practices and games as a student manager for the school's women's basketball team. After graduating from Xavier in 2013, I returned home to Buffalo and joined the faculty at Canisius where I taught history and coached baseball. For the past four years at Canisius, I was able to share the hallways with my youngest brother who recently graduated in the Class of 2020. Most recently, I finished graduate school back in May at Canisius College, earning a M.S. degree in education. When I'm not in the classroom, I enjoy playing a round of golf with family and close friends or cheering on some of my favorite sport teams: the Buffalo Bills, Buffalo Sabres, St. Louis Cardinals, and Xavier Musketeers.
What were you like as a high school student?
Just like any Jesuit school, my four years of high school at Canisius challenged to me step out of my familiar ways and grow intellectually, athletically, and spiritually. I was definitely on the quieter side in the classroom but was always seeking ways to be active through clubs, athletics, and campus ministry. I discovered a love for history thanks to the dedicated teachers I had over my four years. After classes finished any given day, I was off running hill workouts during cross-country season, sprinting through Buffalo's snow-covered sidewalks during indoor track season, or tracking down fly-balls as an outfielder during baseball season. Out of the many memories I made in high school, going on Kairos as a junior stands out as my favorite experience.
If you could live anywhere in the world, where would you live?
Anywhere with access to a sandy beach and clear water. During our summer vacations in Buffalo, my family would spend weekends on the shores of Lake Erie visiting my great-aunt at her cottage just across the border in Canada.
What is your favorite place to visit?
One of my favorite cities to visit is Montreal. The history teacher in me loves the mix of old and new throughout the city; Notre-Dame Basilica and Place Jacques Cartier are a must see in Old Montreal. Exploring Mount Royal and walking to the top of St. Joseph's Oratory offers a great aerial view of the city. When it comes time to eat, make sure you get an order of poutine. The next travel destination for me is to visit Ireland with my family one day.
What is your greatest achievement?
Whether it's in the classroom, on an immersion trip, or in the middle of a practice, nothing beats the moment when a student discovers their unique gifts and puts themselves in the service of others. Knowing I played a small part of that student making a difference for someone else is the greatest reward and achievement.