Memories. They are so precious when it comes to teaching. I spent the afternoon skimming through my old teaching scrapbooks, and the memories came rushing over me like a wave. The students. The impactful moments. The different coworkers and administration that filtered through my life at Indian Trail.
Nineteen years.
How do you say goodbye? I never really had the chance, but I felt the Lord calling me to pay tribute to the school I called home for nearly two decades. My family away from home. As I embark on a new career teaching 6th Grade English in Osawatomie, Kansas, I smile at the memories left behind.
I had just finished a horrendous first year of teaching, finding 9th Grade was not really my cup of tea. Indian Trail was there to pick up the pieces. They welcomed me with open arms, and my confidence began to soar. Especially in teaching the new 7th graders. So much more my personality!
The faculty was amazing. We had each other’s backs. Emergency coverage was never a problem. I still remember sending out a desperate email when my son was sick and needed to be picked up. Stotz was at my door within a minute. Two more teachers checked in shortly after. Never leave a fallen man behind.
My coaching career flourished. Wins and losses didn’t matter. The athletes were learning football and track, and the kids had a blast. I had the privilege of working alongside Coach McFarland and Coach White, not to mention the greatest coach in the history of Indian Trail, Steve Tidd. Straight up old school.
The love and support that came to me at the end of my severe depression was heartfelt. I had to take some time off to get back on my feet, and the faculty, once again, was there. A get well card with a Visa gift card arrived, and when I returned to work in the fall, they loved on me like none other. You don’t forget stuff like that.
And then there was the 7th grade class of 2012-2013. I think we all have a favorite group of kids, and this was mine. So caring. So loving. Leaders galore. And they came at a time in my life when I was in desperate need of a break. They will never be forgotten, and I cannot thank the Lord enough for blessing me with them.
Our teacher prayer group began. FCA was born. I began to enjoy sharing my faith with students and teachers alike. Prayer warriors like Jeremi Wonch, Lori Saving, and Pam Marra will always live in my heart. These relationships were deeper than just friendships. We supported one another through thick and thin. Cancer treatments. Losses of loved ones. Everything.
Soon after a dynasty was born. The Blue Team teachers gelled like none other. Wonch. Billings. Svatos. Daniels. Talk about teamwork! We all thrived in our different roles. Wonch was the leader. Billings dominated technology. Svatos was the queen of Google Docs and data. And I brought student relationships to the next level.
Winning a trip to the Ron Clark Academy in 2019 was epic! The four of us packed our bags and journeyed to Atlanta to meet the Ron Clark staff. It was a Disney Land for teachers, and it changed Indian Trail forever, bringing back the House System. Amistad, Alturismo, Reveur, and Isibindi. Four houses, one family!
And then came the most tumultuous year ever: COVID. Indian Trail rallied! From learning how to Zoom to loving on one another to reaching out to students in umpteen different ways, we survived it. Students and faculty alike. We learned together that going through hard times only makes you stronger.
To the faculty and administration, it is not goodbye. It is see you later. I hope you all stay in touch. Best of luck in the new school year. I will miss you. To the students, you guys are the reason I teach. The relationships. You have taught me as much as I have taught you.
As I unpacked my final box in my new classroom the other day, I found my Indian Trail brick with my name on it. It was a sentimental gift from our administration a few years back. An actual brick from our building renovation. I simply couldn’t throw it away. It rests on the corner of my Osawatomie Middle School desk.
What can I say? Indian Trail will always be a part of me. Once a cougar, always a cougar.
The Teacher's Devotional 
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