The Beginning of a New Chapter

By: Paulette McGrew

     As the end of the school’s 25th year comes to an end several faculty and staff will retire. They include, Ms. Casillas, Mr. Donald, Mr. Karantinos, Mr. Nebel, Ms. Holcombe, Ms. Valenzuela, Mr. Saunders, Ms. Reed and Ms. Richardson.

     Throughout the years these staff members have been at the school watching every student grow, continually playing a role in their development.

     “I don’t have any children of my own, so I kind of look at them like my own children,” said Art Department Chair and art teacher for 20 years, Ms. Holcombe. “Watching them grow and being part of that personal growth in your students is very rewarding to me.”

    These teachers work on hearts and minds and guide students into becoming empowered, liberated, and engaged.

    “The positive impact I have on kids through teaching and coaching is my greatest treasure,” said Mr. Karantinos, a government, history and economics teacher of over 29 years. “It’s the ultimate reward seeing kids 10 years later and them telling you how you inspired them to accomplish great things.”

    As time goes by teachers seem to be ready to retire once they’ve spent so much of their time teaching. Just as the former students, the retiring faculty is ready to begin a new chapter in their lives. 

     “I’ve loved it here,” Said Mr. Nebel, an English teacher for 25 years. “If I could go back and reteach the last 25 years I would.”

     Red Mountain has gone through many changes throughout its 25 years and has been fortunate to have kept some amazing educators who have positively impacted the lives of students.

     “When I first started working here, the group of faculty and staff was very small; we were all like a family,” said Ms. Reed, a Resource Center Specialist at Red Mountain for 25 years. “It’s one of my best memories about Red Mountain.”

     The faculty has started planning to fill their free time with things like spending time with family and friends, going back to college to begin a new career, or travel.

     “I plan to continue coaching on campus, sub for my faculty friends, continue working Red Brick Realty, spending time with my family and becoming a better fisherman,” said Mr. Karentinos.

     Knowing one is retiring opens the door to reflection on memories and experiences. As Ms. Reed prepares for her retirement she wanted to leave the students with some words of wisdom:

      “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your path. -Proverbs 3:5 and 6.”