So Many Thanks! Where Does One Begin?

Each month a write an article for the Marion City Schools community newspaper. This will appear in the June edition.

This will be my last article you will read as Director of Rushmore Academy. On June 22^nd I will be retiring after 32 years with the Marion City Schools. What an amazing ride it has been! Never once have I considered what I have done as showing up for a job. It has always been so much more…a passion, an art. I believe we as educators must celebrate the “gift” we all have to teach, and like an artist we must practice our skills year after year. I certainly hope after 32 years I have gotten a bit better.

With one spectacular phase of my life ending, and with new, exciting adventures on the horizon, I want to say “Thank You” to many people. Over this time with the Marion City Schools, there are plenty.

In 1980 I began my career with the Marion City Schools. I want to thank to Mr. Herb Tillett for interviewing me on the campus of the University of Akron and inviting me to come to Marion for a second interview. Mr. Tillett had everything set up and made Kim and I feel so welcome.

Thank you to Dr. Steve Stuart for offering me the opportunity to begin my career with the Marion City Schools. Little did either of us know that 32 year later, Marion would so much be our home? Thank you Dr. Dave Miller, Dr. Jack Conrath, Mr. Joe Whisler, and Mrs. Carolyn Greene for your professionalism, care, and just being “great” people. Talk about a dynamic Central Office. Having met these truly gifted educators, how could anyone say no to the Marion City Schools?

From 1980-1984 I had the great fortune to teach at Baker Middle School. I want to thank Mr. Gerry Emery and Mr. Dave White, my first two administrators. You nurtured and taught a kid right out of college the “right way” to do things!  And what a Staff! I especially want to thank Craig Clark and Randy Lawrence. Craig, we have stuck together all these years! Thank you! And Randy, a friendship linked by miles and years. You will never know the love and respect I have for you! Thank you for living the life of a “teacher” in all you have done for kids!

Beginning in August of 1984 to January of 2008 I was at Harding High School! I have to start by thanking Mr. Vaughn Williams for giving me a chance. To the entire administrative team of Mr. Herb Tillett, Mr. Dick Brown, and Mr. Norm Dickman, without your support and guidance I would not be where I am today. Mr. Jed Middleton, Mr. Jim Gatchall, Mr. Ralph Rapp, and the teachers I worked directly with, Mr. Jeff Raynor, Mr. Fred Fahrion, Mrs. Jane Linkous Fahrion, Mr. Gary Jolliff, and Mrs. Judy Hite, thank you for never giving up on me. To Athletic Director Mr. Greg Swepston and the coaches who impacted my life in so many positive ways outside the classroom, Mr. Mike McCreary (also as Principal), Mr. Ed Henning, Mr. Gary Evans,  Mr. Jim Oyster, and Mr. Kyle Mayse, thank you for all the amazing experiences. I cherish each of them nearly as much as I cherish each of you.  I want to thank Mrs. Carol Bebout, Mr. Josh Frame, Mrs. Kathy Goodman, Ms. Deb Carr, Mrs. Sue Everhart, and Mrs. Carol Feaver, my “neighbor” for so many years. Carol and I actually began back at old Harding, and how fortunate I was to have her working side by side with me at new Harding.

There are so many at Harding High School deserving thanks and recognition. Please know you are appreciated! Marion Harding High needs to take a bow! Thank you for all you give to kids every day!

In January of 2008 my career took a turn for which I will be ever thankful! To Dr. James Barney and the Marion City Schools Board of Education, thank you for having the vision and for knowing and doing what was and still is right, to provide an alternative means for students to earn their high school diploma. Each of these young men and women are worth all the effort! To Mrs. Sandy Borland, thank you for all you invested. Thank you Mr. Monte Detterman and Mr.Tom Mustain for always keeping us hooked up! To the Rushmore Academy Board of Directors, thank you for your passion to be sure every student is given all the chances needed to succeed.

A huge thank you and appreciation goes to the most dedicated of educators a person could ever ask to be associated with, the Rushmore Academy Staff. To Cara Stevens, Jeff Diehl, Angie Haas, Ryan Daum, Tom Dyer, Tony Lipscomb, Rex Ballinger, Jeff Berringer, Holly Middleton, Luke Beachum, and Terry Dodds, thank you from the bottom of my heart. Each of you stepped up, accepted the challenge, and brought to school every day a spirit and understanding that you could and would make a positive difference with our kids. I will never be able to adequately tell you how much you mean to me and for all you have done for our kids and parents. The results speak for themselves! To Cary Whitman, Mike Bodine, Jeff Page, and Bob Jester, thank you for all you have done for our kids!

Thank you to each caring member of the Marion City Police who entered Rushmore Academy and become a true extension for all we do. Thank you to all the community groups who have invested so much in our kids, especially the Marion Y.M.C.A.

Jim Oyster, thank you for stepping in when we needed you. That first year was a whirlwind. You came along at the right time and allowed us to be sure our direction was always heading in a way best for each student.

Linda Lindsey! Let me say it again, LINDA LINDSEY!! I could write a book on what you mean to Rushmore Academy and to me. You have kept me sane, calm, organized, finding the things I can’t, always smiling and handling everything with the highest level of professionalism anyone could ask, and most importantly loving and caring for our kids and parents. You have always made each one feel like they are the most important! Every answered phone call or greeting when someone walked into Rushmore Academy, each person knew they were treated with respect and dignity. Thank you Linda from the bottom of my heart for all you have done.

Steve Vanderhoff. Who would have thought we would be where we are today? Without you good friend we would not. From the very beginning as an alternative school setting, you gave your time, effort, muscle, support, encouragement, and anything else that was needed to make this all became a reality. Thank you for always being there for me. You truly are a gifted educator and coach! Rushmore Academy is in the best of hands with you. Please know I am always available to help in any way.

I must share my deepest respect and thanks to every student and parent who has been a part of Rushmore Academy. You have made Rushmore Academy a success because of your belief in all of us. Thank you for giving us the opportunity to serve you. I certainly hope we have left you with something which will enrich you for a lifetime. I know beyond a doubt each of you have touched and enriched my life beyond what words can describe.

I would totally be missing out on the needed opportunity to thank my beautiful wife Kim for her ever loving support over these 32 years. Whether late nights and weekends away with wrestling or other coaching, or all that has gone into Rushmore Academy, the late night phone calls and text messages, whatever was needed to be done, you always stood in and supported me and took care of the boys. We are all so lucky to have you! I love you!

To Joshua and Kate, both truly dedicated educators, Kyle, and Andy and Amanda, my love and thanks to each of you is beyond what any man can share. You all make me better each day!

Now I say one last “Thank You” to this amazing school system, the Marion City Schools! Thank you for the opportunity to serve. You have given me the very best! What more could be asked?