More commonly known as Mrs. T, Mrs. Sharon Tormanen’s photography skills have become a staple in the Howell community. With almost 4,000 Instagram followers, Mrs. Tormanen’s posts capture the essence of sporting events, fundraisers, and community events. Since 2020, she has been taking volunteer pictures for the Howell community, but her passion for photography did not start there.
“I’ve had a camera in my hands since I was little. I have always loved taking pictures. I used to spend my babysitting money on film and go to the drugstore and get it developed. I mean, I have just always been doing it,” Mrs. Tormanen said.
Mrs. Tormanen first began working for Howell Public Schools at Three Fires Elementary. Originally, she worked as a substitute lunch aide. Throughout her years at Three Fires, Mrs. Tormanen served in various roles, including pair pro, teacher’s aid, general aid, clerk, and eventually building secretary. After 13 years, Mrs. Tormanen transitioned to a building secretary at Howell High School.
“I was just looking for a change. I’ve been with the elementary kids since 2012. And I was just looking for something a little different. So, it was time to change something up. What’s fun about being here is that I have many of the kids I had in recess when I was in elementary school, and now I’m in high school here. So it’s been a lot of fun,” Mrs. Tormanen said.
Mrs. Tormanen also recognizes many of the students at Howell High School from the pictures she takes at sporting events.
“It was COVID year, when I really started photographing high school. The yearbook photographers weren’t allowed to attend any of the events. So I said, ‘Okay, let me in. ’ Because I think it was important for everyone to still be seen,” Mrs. Tormanen said.
Mrs. Tormanen posts many of her professional photos onto social media for the whole community to enjoy. These pictures have had a lasting impact on their viewers. Capturing monumental moments from students’ lives, from sporting events to graduation, Mrs. Tormanen provides the Howell community with a time capsule of memories and emotions.
“Mrs. T goes to, and I’m being so honest, 99% of all the school events around here, especially at the high school. She’s reached out to me because she takes photos of me a lot, and we’ve begun to create a beautiful relationship where she is this guiding light in my life, and she takes pictures of me at everything I do, and I get to reflect on these high school memories,” senior Adam Kelleher said.
Another volunteer position that not many are aware that Tormanen holds is working at the Sheriff’s office. She is on call for families in need of support when a death occurs.
“So when I go and be with the family, I help them transition into what’s coming next by helping them call the funeral home, and their family and friends,” Mrs. Tormanen said.
Mrs. Tormanen reveals that, out of all her responsibilities, her favorite part is to meet people.
“I love meeting people. And I get so many messages and emails, you know, just how much they appreciate my pictures. Or my favorite praise is if someone said the picture made them cry. It sounds weird, but if it meant that much to them, if I caught something that they want to keep, then that’s always been my favorite praise,” Mrs. Tormanen said.
Another way Mrs. Tormanen has created a legacy is in her mentoring of aspiring photographers. Derek Donahee, a sophomore at Howell High School, has begun taking and uploading his own pictures at school events, following in his footsteps.
“I work under her. She teaches me things and helps if I need to learn something. She especially taught me how not to get bodied on the sideline. Because I would have, if she didn’t tell me to step back,” Donahee said.
