Social Studies teacher Mark Brugger grew up in Fairfield, Ohio, and attended Badin High School, graduating as a member of the Class of 2019. In high school, Brugger’s favorite subject was always history, specifically APUSH (Advanced Placement United States History) in 11th grade. After graduating Badin, Brugger went on to complete four years at Xavier University and received his diploma in the spring of 2023. “Go XU!” Brugger said.
Brugger said during college he also took a lot of history classes, specifically a “Colonial American History course that I really loved.” During his last semester at Xavier, Brugger completed his student teaching semester at Roger Bacon High School where he taught Government, American History, and World History. After graduating from XU, Brugger moved on to his first teaching position at McNicholas High School where he now teaches American Government and Civics for freshmen, and the financial literacy course. Brugger said his favorite part of McNicholas is “the students, you guys. I’m energized by what you guys are coming up with and seeing you all do your sports and other activities like the play.”
Brugger not only teaches at McNicholas but also holds a coaching position as the bowling team’s assistant coach. He said his passion for the sport derives from his experience of bowling varsity for Badin all four years of high school and that he enjoys this specific sport because it is “two-fold”; it has the potential for self-growth while individually playing, along with the option of competing with other athletes. “For me it makes sense to come back to a GCL school and want to help coach bowling,” Brugger said. Brugger also said that the bowling matches he’s most enjoyed are the ones against Badin. “When I go against Badin, it’s a matter of pride,” he said.
In addition to teaching and coaching, Brugger also leads the Investments Club, which was created by seniors Jack Noone and Ethan Detter. The club focuses on “knowing more about financial literacy and investing money,” and Brugger noted, “They’ve been working with Xavier University to get some experts to come our way.” Moderating the Super Smash Bros Club, which meets weekly, rounds out Brugger’s overall involvement with McNicholas.
In his free time, Brugger enjoys weightlifting at the gym, spending quality time with friends while bowling or trying out new restaurants and playing video games. “I think most people know me as the Fortnite teacher,” Brugger added.
A story from Brugger: https://mcnicholashs-my.sharepoint.com/:v:/g/personal/260009_mcnhs_org/EbXVzkA0gIRBsYUr3IyPGUABrAGeQ9JdGDRx16u_M3oqhw
The McNicholas Milestone 