Mr. Steve Rushing says “Adios, folks”

By: Mikayla Blauser and Ms. Saquella

     Beloved math teacher at Red Mountain High School, Mr. Steve Rushing, 62, passed away in his sleep on Saturday, March 30. Known for his contagious smile and quirky sense of humor, Mr. Rushing was one of the original team of teachers (“Charter” teacher) who started at Red Mountain when it opened in fall of 1988. He was due to retire at the end of this academic year. In order for students, parents, faculty, staff, and greater Red Mountain community to memorialize Mr. Rushing, Student Council organized a Memorial Celebration on April 11 in the amphitheater.

     “Mr. Rushing never said a discouraging word about teaching or coaching,” said fellow Red Mountain High School “Charter” teacher and friend, Mr. Saunders. “He was always professional, even-tempered, workmanlike, easygoing, kind, and he enjoyed teaching. We miss him.”

     Mr. Rushing was never without a warm and friendly “Hello” to a fellow teacher or a word of advice to a student, and those whose lives he touched are forever changed by his mellow demeanor and happy-go-lucky attitude.

     “It takes one truly incredible person to be a high school math teacher and friend to all of his students,” said Red Mountain junior and Mr. Rushing’s second-year student, Katelyn Gallagher. “Mr. Rushing wanted to see success in everybody.”

     Mr. Rushing’s students weren’t the only ones who recognized his ability to connect with teenagers. His peers also noticed it as well.

     “He was disciplined, but he loved his kids more than anything else,” said Red Mountain Department Chair of Mathematics, Mr. Peebles.

     As much as teaching mathematics was his passion, Mr. Rushing would be the first to say there was more to life than just math. He had a love for the outdoors, which led to his second passion, golf, and made him as comfortable on the golf course as in the classroom. He served as the girls golf coach from 1993-2007.

     “I knew Steve for a long time both in the classroom and on the athletic field. He was a good guy,” said Mesa Public School’s Athletics Director, Dr. Hogan. “Steve got it. He always took care of business and related so well to kids. He could speak in terms that kids could understand whether it was math or golf. His girls golf team always performed well and won several region championships.”

     Additionally, a celebration of Mr. Rushing’s life for friends and colleagues was at the home of Tom and Valerie Foster on Saturday, April 13 at 4 p.m. For those wanting to make a contribution, in lieu of flowers, family and friends request donations sent to Red Mountain High School with the intent of setting up a scholarship for a Red Mountain student. Checks should be made out to Red Mountain High School-Steve Rushing Memorial Fund. Contact Ms. Brooks at 472-8023 for more information or stop by the Red Mountain High School bookstore.

     “Steve was loyal beyond words to friends, colleagues and especially students,” said long-time friend and retired Red Mountain High School “Charter” teacher, Valerie Foster.