Star Beacon
May 20, 2009 02:01 pm
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CONNEAUT — Thirty-five years is a long time. In 35 years, a person can touch thousands of lives. This year, Conneaut High School says “good-bye” to two men who have done just that. Two members of the CHS staff are retiring this year – David Simpson and Don Ketchum.
Don Ketchum has been working for schools for 35 years, 29 of which he has been Conneaut High School librarian. Ketchum has helped countless students pass English class, finish research reports and find a good book for some light reading.
“I taught 11th-grade English and really enjoyed taking classes to the library to work on their research reports,” Ketchum says when asked why he decided to become a librarian. “I will miss interaction with the students, colleagues and the teaching aspect of my job. Also, working with classes which come into the library and the book collection.” However, he will not miss getting up early and driving to school in bad weather.
David Simpson, a social studies teacher, has been teaching at Conneaut for 35 years. He teaches “Modern U.S. History and Ancient Civilizations,” is the senior class adviser and coaches varsity boys’ tennis. He has coached at least one sport a year since beginning his teaching career.Simpson says he was inspired by his mother’s dedication to education and former teachers that he admired. When asked what he will miss most about teaching, he answered, “The students and the fellow teachers, of course! The everyday interaction in class and in the hallways between students and teachers. I will miss students’ reaction when they understand or grasp the story in history.”
The next step? Ketchum plans to travel out west and spend more time with his grandchildren. He also is looking forward to working on his house and his yard, gardening, backpacking and camping with friends.
Simpson is looking forward to long days of relaxing (without having to grade papers), and his wife has a long “honey-do list” waiting for him. He also plans to get part-time work.
These two men have been an inspiration to students for more than three decades. When asked to give kids at CHS one last piece of advice, Simpson replied, “You are an important character in the drama of human history. You must learn from the past in your personal life and as a member of the human race.”
Ketchum added, “Be a life-long learner. Read a great deal and keep an open mind. Get all the education that you can.”
Simpson would also like the students to remember, that when the week ends, he will always be somewhere shouting, “All right, it’s FRIDAY!”
Good luck to Don Ketchum and David Simpson. Conneaut High School will miss you.
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