Meet the Board Monday: Hannah Koch Amoroso, Class of 1985

Hannah Koch Amoroso is a BRHS graduate, Class of 1995. She attended the University of Texas at Austin and the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio where she earned her Master of Physical Therapy degree. She married a fellow ’95 BRHS graduate, Sam Amoroso. They have two children who attend schools in EBRPSS who will hopefully attend BRHS in a few years.

She is a Physical Therapist at Baton Rouge General Hospital and Baton Rouge Rehab Hospital. In her spare time, she runs with the Varsity Sports running group and advocates for public schools. She has volunteered with Together Baton Rouge, Beyond Bricks, her children’s school PTOs, and VIPS.

BRHSF: Did you have a favorite teacher, club, sport or experience that made a long-term impact on you at BRHS?

HA: My junior year at BRHS, I did not get Mr. Martin for American History. I had him as my World Geography teacher my freshman year, and anyone who had the opportunity to be in his class knows why I wanted to have him again. My American History class was at 7^th hour, so I needed to find a class that only met at that time so that my American History class would have to get moved. It turns out that all the sweaty PE classes met at the end of the school day, so I decided to take Cross Country. As luck would have it, I got Mr. Martin for American History, developed a love for running, and got to know Sam by walking with him towards our first hour classes each morning.

BRHSF: What made you decide to join the BRHSF Board?

HA: The Baton Rouge High School Foundation’s mission is to encourage philanthropy and fellowship of alumni, families of students, faculty, and the community in order that Baton Rouge High School will continue to advance educational excellence, student achievement, and national prominence. Every school needs support in this way, and I am humbled and happy to be able to do a little bit for the school that made such a big impact on my life.

BRHSF: Why is the Foundation’s mission of philanthropic support for BRHS important to you and to the community?

HA: In my endeavors to be an advocate for public schools, I have learned a lot about school funding. The money that public schools get from local taxes and from the state only pays for the basics, much like tuition at private schools only pays for the basics. Anything extra requires fees, fundraisers, grants, etc. It is important to me that there is an excellent school where students who may not have a lot of financial means can go and receive an education that is second to none. I was one of those students 25 years ago.

BRHSF: As a Board member do you have any personal goals for your service? What do you see as your most important role as a Board member?

HA: There is already a lot of Bulldog pride among students and alumni, but I would like to have that pride turn into a culture of giving back both in terms of time and money. I think a lot of students would be surprised at how much the Foundation does to provide some of the extras that help make BRMHS what it is. It is easy to make a big difference with such amazing students and teachers. Much of the support that BRHS has received has come from alumni, who attended before it was a magnet school. I would especially like to promote increased support from alumni from the magnet era. My most important role as a Board member is to increase support for the school.

Fun Fact! I have run the Boston Marathon 4 times and 13 marathons in all. I have run 3 of the 6 World Marathon Majors and would like to eventually run them all. Who knew all that would start from cross country when I was 16 years old?