Tag Archives: featured

A Very Busy Day in the Life: Norah Johnson, girls swimming and Diving

by Norah Johnson/Guest Writer

Photo Caption: Girls swimmers going to state- Selah Vahle, 9, Alyssa Osborn, 10, Norah Johnson, 12, Cece Duffy Johnson, 11, Mary Ellen Stratman, 12, Rachel Stutz, 10, Reagan Crouch, 12.

Day in the life of a swimmer:

I wake up at 5:45

Breakfast is a fast granola bar

Morning practice is at 6:30-7:50

Showering at school with only three showers and another fast breakfast before school. We have yogurt, make bagels, or heat up breakfast sandwiches from our “breakfast room” in the pool area. 

8:30-3:25—-School day—-with snacks, most swimmers eat snacks during their classes

Snacks after school are usually a granola bar, apple, or a banana 

Afternoon practice starts at 3:45-6

Go home for dinner and homework

Read/watch tv during any free time before bed

I try to be asleep by 9:45 for a solid 8 hours before I repeat it all again the next day.

How we feel about that:

We all know that it is an intense and rigorous training schedule, but we all understand why it has to be that way. Swimming is such a unique sport as to where the movements that we perform in the water cannot be directly translated by movements outside of the water. I feel that this schedule has taught me outstanding time management, as well as understanding what I need to prioritize throughout my day. After a pretty intense practice, the last thing I want to put more energy towards is calculus homework, so I know that if I have free-time during the school day, I should get that finished so I don’t have to do it later that evening. From an outsider’s perspective, I could see how 9 practices a week could seem intimidating, or maybe even crazy. And I will admit, it is not for just anyone. The swimmers on the team are some of the most mentally tough teenagers I have ever been around. We train almost 20 hours a week in an attempt to better our personal best time by only 1 or 2 seconds. That can be mentally draining. Overall, I feel that it has provided me with structure and it has taught me so much about myself. The practices themselves are, as Mark and Emily Logan put it, “fun and challenging.” They constantly monitor and adjust our workouts based on how we are responding to training at that time. I am very thankful that they can appreciate the science and quality of swimming, rather than focus on the amount of distance we can swim in a day. 

Why we do it and what keeps us motivated:

I swim because I love the sport. I love the challenge and the feeling of pushing myself not only physically, but mentally. The sport is not easy, and it is not for everyone. It causes you to challenge yourself everyday. These challenges are difficult, and some days you want to give up, but after you complete them, the reward is so great. Each day you have the opportunity to earn your reward. In the past four years, I have learned that it can be so easy to get caught up in the end goal, such as sectionals, state, or even a goal time. But in reality, in order to reach the end goal, you have to focus on the everyday goals. Such as winning every practice, focusing on technique, creating any goal for yourself that you can reach at practice. It has made my journey of swimming more beneficial mentally, and I believe it has altered my personal definition of winning. Beyond training physically and mentally, I get to do it with my best friends. We are the only ones who understand what this type of training is like. It becomes relatable for us. Not many teenagers spend 6 out of 7 of their days waking up before 6 o’clock. We are with each other so much and we have a positive shared goal that keeps us united together. We uplift each other everyday. The team does not improve if not everyone is working hard. Lane one pushes lane two, lane two pushes lane three, lane three pushes lane four, and so on. Without each other to race at practice and make each other better, we would likely not see our high successes. We are all highly determined individuals that come together to unite as a team that wants the same thing. We crave the intensity, the competition, the race. We love it. 

Combatting the Winter Doldrums

by Trot Scholl/Staff Writer

Photo from: https://unsplash.com/s/photos/winter-house

Winter time is upon us. The snow and the cold are the main factors of winter time and most of the time, people have trouble dealing with the snow, cold, and gray days. To help those people, I have made a list of things to do and further in-depth descriptions on each to help you deal with the winter blahs.

-Eating/drinking warm foods and drinks

-Doing things you enjoy

-Talk to friends and family

-Take up a new hobby

-Exercise 

-Head to a sunnier climate

These are just a few things you can do to combat the winter doldrums. There are multiple other things you can do but these are just a few to name.

Eating/drinking warm foods and drinks is a very obvious one but makes the most sense. Some things that would be in this category would be of course any type of soup like chicken and noodle soup, tomato soup, and noodle soup. Some warm foods and drinks will make you feel warm and try to not focus on the cold and be focused on the warm side of things with the winter outside.

Another very obvious one but needs to be brought up is doing things you enjoy, indoors of course. People all have different things they enjoy too do. It could be from hanging out with your friends, watching a tv show or movie inside, playing video games, or even sleeping. Things that you enjoy can get your mind off of the winter time and help you be happier.

Taking up a new hobby can help get your mind off of the winter doldrums. If you end up enjoying this new hobby then you have something new to do, and if you aren’t the best at it or not into it as much as you thought you would be, you can try something new and try to take up a different hobby. Some hobbies you can try are cooking, dancing, singing, reading, and journaling, just to name a few.

Exercising could help you think about other things and try to make you feel better about the winter doldrums. You could bundle up and go for a walk/run, you could work out at home and do exercises at home, or you could go to the nearest gym and exercise there. 

Heading to a sunnier area is a great idea. You could go anywhere like California or Arizona where it’s sunny for over 300 days of the year, or even Florida while yes, it’s not as hot there as it would be during the summer, it is still a viable option.

              There are multiple other things that you can do to combat the winter doldrums. There is no real right or wrong way to combat them. Do whatever makes you happy in this time.

Spending Valentine’s Day with friends, family

by Dylan Ramirez/Staff Writer

Photo Caption: Carter Rankins, 10, Ms. Jamie Stein, EB teacher,  Dylan Nance, 11, and Zach Austin, 12, give their thoughts on Valentine’s Day.

At Greenfield Central, some students and staff have been interviewed to give their understanding and perspective of the Valentine’s Day holiday. Usually it’s to celebrate with the ones you love, specifically a significant other.

Carter Rankins, grade 10, said he loves going out to eat. He also offered this advice, “Ice skating is a fun and affordable way to have fun on Valentines. A candy gram is a great gift. Valentine’s Day is a day to be with you and your loved ones. I really enjoy this holiday because I love being around the people I do love and care about.”

Jamie Stein, EB teacher, also added on to that. Stein said, “Some more fun activities may be going out to dinner, movies, or even bowling. Valentine’s Day to me is a day to show how much you care about someone. Some good gifts include flowers and chocolate. I enjoy this holiday because I can buy gifts for those that I love.” 

Another student, Taylor Sweet, grade 10, said she was probably going to hang out with her boyfriend for Valentine’s. She also added, “A fun activity would be going out to dinner. I think the best gift is flowers. I get the most joy from spending time with people I care about.”  Sweet ended her comment about Valentine’s by saying it’s definitely a holiday everyone needs to celebrate.

 Another current student, Jackson Roeger, grade 11, points out that Valentine’s Day is to show your love towards people. He says he loves the idea of spending time and celebrating just because of love. “I love going out to eat and buy flowers for my loved ones. I believe flowers, candy, and love is the best gift on Valentine’s Day,” said Roeger.  

Ryker Horning, grade 11, stated this will be his first Valentine’s Day with his girlfriend. “I’m excited to spend my Valentine’s Day to go out to eat and show her my appreciation for her. Flowers and chocolates are probably the best gifts. I really enjoy this holiday because it’s just about love and how much you care about someone.” Horning also stated that he loves spending time with his mom who he loves the most. 

Jaden Markus, grade 12, said he will be spending his Valentine’s Day with his girlfriend and family. “I might go out to dinner and celebrate. I think the best gifts are flowers and maybe clothes. I like the idea of Valentine’s because it gives you the chance to show your appreciation for those you care about,” said Markus. 

Zach Austin, grade 12, said , “I hope to hang out with my female friend. A fun activity would be going out to eat and then coming back home to watch movies. The best gifts are cards, chocolate and teddy bears. What I love most about Valentine’s is how much I can show the people I love how much I love and care for them.” 

Dylan Nance, grade 11, said, “On Valentine’s Day, the best thing to do is to go out to dinner then come home and enjoy yourselves. My reason why I enjoy Valentine’s Day is because you get to spend time with ones you love.”

Valentine’s Day is supposed to be  spent with your loved ones. Hopefully most people are able to celebrate such a festive holiday. 

GC students make book recommendations

by Della Hedge/Staff Writer

These books come highly recommended from Honors English 10. 

One book I read last semester was You Say It First by Katie Conugo. This book is so good. It’s about two very different people who live in two very different states who somehow find themselves in love. They fight and make up and eventually end up together. The writing style is so good; it’s told by both characters and it’s definitely packed with twists and turns and so many different ideas.This was the first book I read by Conugo but definitely not the last. I definitely recommend this book if you like the Opposites Attract idea. -Della Hedge 

I read over the summer It Ends With Us by Colleen Hoover. I definitely jumped on the bandwagon and I don’t regret it at all. The way Colleen drives her writing is absolutely amazing. This starts with a teenage girl who falls in love with a boy who had to move due to family issues. She also eventually moves to get out of her toxic house and falls for a guy who she thinks is a wonderful person and he turns out to be a horrible husband. She finds out her teenage boyfriend is in the same state as her and they reconnect. This book has so many plot twists and dark turns; it keeps you interested in the whole book. -Della Hedge 

I read a book last semester that brought me to tears on multiple different occasions. It is Tilt by Ellen Hopkins. This book talks about real world issues and real teenage stories. Some ideas most authors stray away from because they are sensitive topics, but Hopkins didn’t and it was so good. Some of the topics she covers are: teen pregnancy, teen substance abuse, depression, anxiety etc. She also wrote in verse which just made the whole book better. She writes in three different points of view, and tells three very real stories. Each character has a very different story but can relate to everyone in the end. This is my favorite book I have ever read. It’s genuinely so good. -Della Hedge

I recommend Impulse by Ellen Hopkins. It’s a book with deep topics, but is very relatable in some situations. Light is being shed on things people don’t really like to talk about. Real stories that almost every teen can relate to. -Isabella Marquez

I read Flawed by Cecelia Ahern. In the book the country has different rules to keep people from being “Flawed.” It’s an interesting book that’s hard to put down with a lot of twists to keep you on the edge of your seat. -Tanessa O’Neal

I read The Comfort Book by Matt Haig. In this nonfiction book the author talks about all of his different worldly experiences. He brings you through how to understand yourself and others better. Matt Haig also lets you know it is okay to not be okay. If you need to take a moment no one should be judged for it. It has helped me learn more about how to act and treat others. -Lauren Sherman

FACS Group members promote FCCLA and FCCLA Week

by Staff Writer and FCCLA President Izabelle Monsma 

There are many reasons why someone would join a club such as FCCLA, but why do they stay? Is it the people, the food, or the fun things they do throughout the school year? There are lots of things FCCLA does throughout the year that you might find fun. They go to the State Fair to volunteer at the dairy barn, do the Spring and Winter Bazaar, State, cater events, and even nationals most years. They are even doing dress up days for national FCCLA Week this week, Feb. 13-17. 

The reasons people join FCCLA came with  a multitude of different answers. Community Service Director Connor Griffith, 10, said, “I’m not going to lie to you. I originally joined because I wanted to be in the Homecoming Parade last year.” The Photography and Display Director Lauren Haney said, “I joined FCCLA because it gave me something to do and I would still be involved with the school.” 

Reasons why the members stayed and continued to participate in FCCLA really varied from wanting to make a difference and meeting people and creating new friendships. Kiera Hope, 10, Conference and Leadership Director, said, “I’ve met new friends and grown bonds with the teachers. Going to events and seeing all the other schools is a great experience.” 

Haney also said, “I decided to stay in FCCLA because we participate in community service, go to state, and I have met many great people and I now call my friends.” Many of the other members can agree with that as well. 

As for myself, Izzy Monsma,  I think one of the reasons I’ve stayed in FCCLA is because I know it has changed my life for the better and given me such amazing opportunities. I think all of this shows that FCCLA along with the people in it can make a huge difference in not only the community but your life and the lives around you. We do lots of fun activities and community service things. We are even doing dress up days for FCCLA week from Feb. 13-17. We welcome new members all throughout the year which means anyone can join at any point. Meetings are held every Monday in Mrs. Keusch’s room E127 from right after school till 4:30. We do a game every meeting, and then go through what will be happening over the next few weeks and then we have a snack. 

Profile: Functional academics teachers share their motivations, successes

by Della Hedge/Staff Writer

Photo Caption: Ms. Kathleen Burke, Ms. Emily Weaver, and Ms. Courtney Majors are ready to start the day with their students.

“My biggest motivation is the students’ success,” functional academic teacher Ms. Emily Weaver said. She has always wanted to be a teacher; she was pushed to shadow a life skills teacher in high school and she knew from the minute she walked in, “I wanted to make an impact in the lives of those with disabilities.” 

“My students are my WHY. My students are the reason I wake up each morning and come to work with a smile on my face. My students are my biggest motivation to be the best teacher I can be,” Weaver said.  She can feel the difference she makes every day in her classroom. Even if it’s little things like a student asking for help for the first time or independently following their schedule. “I specifically love being able to experience when students are able to generalize a skill that was taught in class and be able to use that skill in the community,” she said. She thrives on seeing students’ successes. That’s the main thing that keeps Ms. Weaver going. 

She thinks that building relationships with the parents as well is one of the most important things in working with students. “The relationship that you build, not just with students but with their families (is important),” she said. She values her students’ families and wants to make sure that the students’ best interest is in mind. 

The effects of the COVID pandemic, especially virtual learning through technology, hit Ms. Weaver’s classroom positively and negatively. “The amount of time on technology and knowledge of supports that we have using technology has tremendously increased. I also miss using paper and pencils as well.” She has started again with the paper and pencil this year, as she eases her students back to pre-pandemic conditions. She also mentioned that the communication and engagement has decreased tremendously. “It appears that some students do not have interest in communicating and engaging with others as much as before COVID occurred,” she said. 

Ms. Weaver had many dreams and goals for her classroom. One of her goals is to focus on the end of high school. She has a lot of students graduating this year and she has to prepare them for the real world. Everyone’s life after high school is different and Ms.Weaver has to prepare them for whatever they will do. “Life after high school can look different for many people and figuring out what it looks like for each student is important as they go through high school,” Ms. Weaver said. 

Ms. Courtney Majors, one of Ms. Weaver’s co-teachers, has a very similar approach. They both keep going because of their students. “My biggest motivation is my students. I want to see them succeed and become the most successful and independent individuals they can be,” Ms. Majors said. 

Last year was Ms. Major’s first year in the classroom. She started during COVID and she persevered. “Starting to teach during COVID has made me a better and more adaptable teacher,” she said. She had to adapt and make it through the year, she said.

With her being a brand new teacher, reaching her goals is so important. She wants to focus on self-improvement to better connect with her students. “The main goal for this year is to continue forming relationships with my students and improving myself to be the best teacher I can be,” she said.

Ms. Kathleen Burke is another functional academics teacher who co-teaches with Ms. Weaver and Ms. Majors. Ms. Burke is also a co-sponsor with Ms. Weaver with a club called Peer Pals, formerly known as Best Buddies. 

“My biggest motivation to keep moving forward each day are the ladies whom I share teaching responsibilities with. We share ideas, support each other, and just have a lot of fun together doing our job,” Ms. Burke said. She keeps going for her co-workers. She shares a great deal of her life with them; she strives to be the best because of them.

“The students and daily experiences are definitely the best part of my job. I get to be involved in students’ journeys from freshman year through senior year. This is not something all teachers get to experience. This can make it even more difficult to say goodbye, but also more rewarding to see students graduate,” Ms. Burke said. She gets to see her students grow and leave. She gets to prepare them for the real world, and she loves that part of her job. 

All three teachers keep going for their students; they thrive under their students’ success. Many can agree, that is what makes a good teacher. If you have the opportunity to get to know them or their students, as you can tell from their positive comments, it will be a positive experience.

Exchange student discuss holiday customs abroad, in US

by Dylan Ramirez/Staff Writer

Photo Caption: Several exchange students hold flags from their countries at the flag ceremony during the World Language Cook-Off: Joona Hinte, 11, Annika Fischer, 11, Ainara Flores Garcia, 11, Aiala Orio San Vicente, 11, Audrey Marguet, 11, and Lorenzo Pedroni, 11, and Rozalia Golen, 11.

     Greenfield Central is hosting exchange students from all over the world, from Germany, Spain, Russia, and other countries. As most know, many kids from different countries do not celebrate the same holidays as most Americans. Some of the exchange compare holidays here and at home.

Matz Schaefer, grade 1l, is a 15 year old from Germany. He said, “Back home in Germany we celebrate Christmas, Nikolaus (6th of December to celebrate a helpful man) and St. Martin on the 11th of November and Pentecost.” Schaefer said the holidays here aren’t much different when it comes to celebrating them. He and his family and most Germans come together as a family and eat a bunch of food. He said the food is a bit different. “Usually back at home we’ll eat geese and potato soup. It’s different here because we ate turkey, ham, pie, and mashed potatoes for most of the holidays we’ve had so far, like Thanksgiving,” said Schaefer. He said the holidays he’s celebrated makes him feel like a real American because he’s living the same experience and traditions just as  everyone else around him. He loves celebrating Thanksgiving and celebrating with his host family. He concluded, “I’m glad to get to celebrate these holidays with family and friends. I’d suggest to anyone to go to different countries and celebrate their holidays their way.” 

Aiala Orio San Vicente, grade 11, is from Spain. Aiaila stated that she also celebrates New Years (Los Reyes Magos), Easter (Dia de la Hispanidad), Halloween (Dia de todos los santos), and also Christmas. Vicente said celebrating the holidays are the same, just hanging with family and eating. Aialia also said that the more popular foods to eat are meat, salads, croquetas (small cakes of meat or potatoes coated in breadcrumbs  and fried), then cakes and Spanish ham during holidays. “The holidays made me feel really happy, like Thanksgiving. The most significant tradition in Spain is eating twelve grapes during the last seconds before New Years,” says Aialia. The purpose of eating twelve grapes is to lead each month of the next year full of good luck and prosperity. 

Annika Fischer, grade 11, is from Germany. She exclaimed, “I love celebrating the holidays like Halloween and Thanksgiving with my host family so far. I’m excited for Christmas.” Fischer talked about the traditions and holidays she celebrates back home. She celebrates Christmas, their thanksgiving, St. Martin,etc. Thanksgiving in Germany is celebrated on the first Sunday in October. It is more of a rural event, with gatherings with food and neighbors. “The main difference between celebrating holidays here and back home is the food and how much family come from different places to come celebrate with you. We don’t celebrate Thanksgiving back home,” says Annika. Annika then explained, “But besides that, the holidays here are as common and simple as the ones back home. I love being around people, it makes me feel comfortable.” Annika ended the interview with wanting to tell everyone to go out of the country at least once and try different holidays from around the world.

GC students discuss favorite holiday traditions

by Megan Bundy/Staff Writer

Photo Caption: Decorating a Christmas tree is a popular holiday tradition for many. Photo by Megan Bundy

It’s that time of year again where it begins to get colder outside and the holidays are the biggest thing on people’s minds. It’s a time for family and friends to come together and get ready to end the year with joy and look forward to the next one. A special aspect of the holidays is participating in traditions with your family and friends, and G-CHS students were asked about their own holiday traditions that they celebrate.

Not surprisingly, celebrating the holidays with family and friends was a big one shared amongst the students. “The holidays are very fun for me, not just the presents or anything but just being with everyone. We usually go to my grandma’s and eat some sort of dinner, hang out and open presents,” 10th grader Bella Corsaro-Ferge said about her own traditions.

“The holidays are pretty fun for me. I enjoy the break and hanging out with friends and getting into the Christmas spirit,” Alek Plisinski, 10, said. Lynn Bye, 10, also commented, “(I) definitely prefer to hangout with friends during the holidays. With friends, plans are easier and more flexible.” It seems like a reasonable number of students at G-CHS value connection with loved ones during the holiday season. 

When the students were asked what holiday traditions they like to do, there was a plentiful variety. “My favorite holiday tradition would probably be going to Utah to visit my aunt and uncle and celebrate the holidays there with them,” Chloe Davidson, 10, said. Davidson also mentioned that she has an Advent calendar tradition. Jo Cooper, 10, said “My favorite tradition is decorating my tree. I have had it since I was a child.” Bye also added, “Playing dreidel and betting on who will win is my favorite Hanukkah tradition while my favorite Christmas tradition is watching a movie on Christmas Eve while drinking hot chocolate.” Other students have also said that decorating their Christmas tree with family or watching Christmas movies was their preferred holiday tradition. These two traditions are one of the most common ones, so it is no surprise that many students at G-CHS like to participate in them.

As the year begins to draw to a close, the holidays are reminders of what we have to be thankful for during this year. The holidays are generally a time for joy and peace as well as spending time with family and friends. 

Senior wrestlers discuss season

by Trot Scholl/Staff Writer

Photo Caption: Seniors Adam Saxon and Zeke Holden are in beginning match form. Photo by Trot Scholl.

Wrestling season is here for GCHS. The wrestlers have been working very hard and are ready to show out this season. Senior Zeke Holden says, “We’ve put in a lot of work this off season and it will be fun to watch it pay off.” Senior Adam Saxon says, “I’m excited to see where senior year will take me. I’ve learned this sport for three years and I feel like I can do something if I work hard for it.

    Holden and Saxon both have goals they would like to accomplish this upcoming wrestling season. Holden states, “My goal this year is to be a state placer, I have worked really hard these past few years and have been short every year but this year my goal will be achieved.” Saxon says, “I want to win my matches, it’s a basic goal but I haven’t won many matches and I want to win most of mine this year.” Having a goal for wrestling and any sport in general is a good thing. It can help you get better and do better and you can get more enjoyment out of sport and the season by reaching those goals.

To reach your goals, you must stay focused the whole time and don’t get caught off guard. Holden states, “I am gonna keep my head on straight and be disciplined and really just stay on track and it will happen.” Saxon says “I think it’s important to pay attention to minor details and make sure you are doing everything right and put those things you learned into the matches.”

    Going into any wrestling season, your view changes every year on it. Holden says, “This is the last ride, you have to make everything count this season.” Saxon states, “The perspective has changed, this is our last year to show what you can really do if you put the work in.” Having a different view on the season could help you and give you more motivation to do better.

      To prepare for the upcoming season, wrestlers will all prepare differently for the upcoming season, but still all prepare. Holden says, “I go to a wrestling academy and train with the best coaches and the best kids in the state.” Saxon states, “I have already started watching weight so I don’t have to cut during the season, and I have started lifting and working out.” 

        Now a few weeks into the wrestling season, our wrestling team is looking good. Seniors Holden and Saxon were interviewed before the start of the season. Let’s see how their answers have changed or stayed the same from last time.

    Each senior was asked about their perspective going into the wrestling season, now into the wrestling season, has their perspective changed at all or a good amount?    Holden said, “It hasn’t really changed much, as far as I know it’s my last ride so I’m running head first at the competition.”

Saxon stated, “My perspective has stayed the same, I’m still trying to win as many matches as I can and putting everything out there.” Their perspectives haven’t changed on the season, but they have both been making great improvements and living up to their goals they made at the beginning of the season.

    Both seniors were asked last time about their work in the off-season and if it will pay off. Has their work paid off for them so far this season? Adam Saxon said, “I think the off-season has helped me, I’m not as tired and I feel like I can work on technique more than endurance.” Zeke Holden stated, “So far I haven’t been thoroughly challenged in any of my matches, but my training has definitely paid off.” Their work they have put in and out of practice has been helping them a lot and paid off for them now.

    Both seniors got asked how a few matches went, how they think not just themselves, but their team has done so far. Holden stated, “It’s been a little shaky, but the last two matches we have had, I feel like our team is really starting to come together as a family. We are there for each other every match.” Saxon said, “Personally I think I could be doing better this season, I’ve been putting in the work but I’m getting beaten in matches I should be winning. On the other hand, I think the team is doing really good right now. I feel like we have a very special group of people who can make it far this year.”

    Each senior got asked about what they see differently in this team we have this year. Holden said, “Our team is definitely different from last years, I think that our team is a group of young men and women that understand how you present yourself outside of wrestling matters, we have had little to no problems with behavior outside of wrestling.” Saxon stated, “The team is a family, we all chant for each other during every match, it doesn’t matter the outcome.” This wrestling team is viewed differently by wrestlers as a better behaved team and a family that supports each other.

    Only a few matches into the season and we can safely say this team is something special. We have a strong group of seniors leading the team and a team to make GCHS proud this year.

Profile: Henderson’s best teaching assets “compassion for all,” connections with students

by Madi Short/Staff Writer

A vital staff member and teacher of GCHS is William Henderson, or as some students and staff know him, Sarge. Mr. Henderson, before he ever became a teacher, was in the military, and decided after seeing the amount of soldiers who hadn’t been prepared for life out of high school, to become a teacher. “When I was in the Army, I saw so many soldiers come into the Army that were not prepared for life after graduating high school. Many of these young soldiers lacked firm, fair and consistent role models and leadership in their lives. I thought I could assist in helping the youth of our society become more prepared for life after they leave the protection of their parents’ home.”

    Mr. Henderson has many great stories and memories with other staff, including Mr. Will Bolden and Mr. Eric Robertson. When asked what was your best memory of Mr. Henderson, Mr. Robertson replied, “When he interviewed me for a job in my driver’s education office some 10 years ago.”

    Mr. Henderson’s advice to teenagers would be, “The concept of working hard is a fallacy. You should strive to work smarter. Hard working people fail every day because they do not accomplish their goal, mission, or job. Working smarter will allow you to maximize your time and allow you to find a healthy work life balance.” 

    Many people learn from Mr. Henderson, and that includes students and staff. Mr. Bolden described some of the things he learned. “I’ve learned several things from Mr. Henderson. A lot of those things stem from his direction for a new teacher: how to set up Google Classroom, structuring lessons, communication with parents and students, connecting with students, etc.” Mr. Roberson, though he did not get into detail, stated he has learned many things from Mr. Henderson, however many he couldn’t put into writing or discuss.

    Mr. Robertson, when asked what he thought Mr. Henderson’s greatest quality was, he stated, “His care and compassion for all; he truly cares about everyone.” Mr. Bolden shared a similar thinking, as he said, “Connecting with students and communication.” Another similar statement from Mr. Robertson and Mr. Bolden was when asked what their favorite thing about him was, Mr. Robertson replied, “He is so funny. His one-liners are the greatest ever.” Mr. Bolden replied, “His no nonsense approach but it’s paired with a sense of understanding and humor.” 

    Family means a lot to Mr. Henderson. When asked what his inspiration was, Mr. Henderson said, “My wife inspires me. She inspires me to be the best I can be.” The greatest advice he’d ever received was, “to marry my wife. My father gave me that advice and like most advice he gave, he wasn’t wrong.” And when asked about his greatest accomplishment, Mr. Henderson replied, “Being a father to two outstanding young men. I have held a lot of titles in my life, but none as great as Dad.”

    In addition to family, students mean a lot to Mr. Henderson as well. Mr. Henderson has learned a lot from teaching, having said, “First, my students taught me how to be a better parent (I will always be grateful for that). Also, that every student is not the same because they all have different challenges, backgrounds, and support systems. However, all students require the same four things: A positive role model, to be protected from harm, to be treated with respect, and to be loved unconditionally regardless of their faults.”

    A feeling Mr. Henderson will never forget while  teaching would be, “watching a student graduate that many thought wouldn’t and knowing you played a part in that change.”

    From the military to teaching, Mr. Henderson shared his thoughts on the difficulty of switching from one to the other. “Initially it was hard, yes, but not as hard of a transition for many of my peers who become teachers. I was fortunate enough to start my teaching career at the Indiana Soldiers and Sailors Childrens Home in Knightstown where I was an Army JROTC instructor. I left the Army on Friday and started teaching on Monday and I still wore a uniform. The structure at the home was much like the military. It was a lot like training soldiers except for they had not been to basic training.”

    On another military note, Mr. Henderson, when asked if he could do anything else, what would you do, he stated, “I believe I am exactly where I am meant to be.  However, if I had to do something else, I would have become a Transitional Assistance Program Counselor for Veterans. I know how difficult it is to transition from the military. I have always had a desire to serve others, and this would allow me to assist our heroes’ transition into the next phase of life.”