Some Oxford Middle School students settling in to learn Spanish were greeted by a new face at the start of the school year.

Grahm Hanna recently joined the OMS staff as a Spanish teacher.

Ourania Petrovas, who was originally hired to fill the position, recently resigned.

Hanna studied Spanish and Psychology at Michigan State University. He received a master’s degree in education from the University of Michigan.

Hanna has been teaching Spanish for five years and has been teaching in general for many more.

“I have been an educator for as long as I can remember,” said Hanna. “I am looking forward to listening intently while my students amaze me with their Spanish skills.”

Hanna began by teaching Fun Understanding Nature Knowledge (F.U.N.K.) classes at the Ann Arbor YMCA Camp Al-Gon-Quian, as well as by leading their outward bound expeditions.

He then moved to Mexico in order to study and work abroad as an English teacher.

He moved back to Michigan and began working at the YMCA’s preschool in Ann Arbor.

After completing his student teaching requirements at Ann Arbor Public Schools, he spent the last four years working at Detroit Public Schools in a high school setting.

Hanna resides in Ferndale and said he takes pride in his wonderful family.

“My family is incredible,” said Hanna. “My sister is a calm and gentle soul who is on her way to Alaska with her new husband. My dad is an incredible athlete and local comedian. My mom is a phenomenal teacher and cook. My gramma is my guiding light.”