Long-time teacher expresses gratitude to administration
ST. MARYS - An emotional farewell address from a beloved and respected St. Marys Area High School teacher touched many in attendance at Monday evening’s St. Marys Area School District Board of School Directors workshop.
Greg Snelick, a SMAHS math teacher, will be retiring at the conclusion of the school year, capping off a 48year education career which has impacted local high school students at both SMAHS and Elk County Catholic High School. Throughout the years students and staff can attest to
Snelick’s boisterous, yet effective, teaching style as his booming voice can often be heard from the opposite end of the building from his classroom. Among the courses he instructs are advanced algebra, trigonometry, calculus and analysis.
“I will truly miss the kids,” Snelick said.
Snelick expressed his thanks for the opportunity to teach in the school district and his gratitude for being able to interact with students on a daily basis. He invited SMASD Superintendent Harley Ramsey and any school board member to spend some time in his classroom over the next three months to witness his teaching style and general interactions with students.
“I couldn’t do this job from 7 a.m.-3:30 p.m. I’m here for whenever the kids need me,” Snelick said, adding many students stop by his classroom before and after school and during their study halls. “Those are the times I am going to miss.”
He emphasized that many students, such as the advance placement students, need certain attention and someone they know is going to care. Snelick referenced Matthew Wehler, a senior and student representative on the school board, who he has instructed for the past three years noting
he has a very bright future ahead of him and anticipates seeing “big things” from him.
Snelick recalled advice shared with him by the late Conrad Reuscher, a former ECCHS teaching colleague and father of school board member, Missy Lundin, who told him “it's okay to teach kids and kids of kids, but when you start teaching kids of kids of kids it's time to think about where you are in your career. This year Snelick turns 70-years-old and stated he wishes to enjoy his three grandchildren and spend more time with them and his children and help his son rebuild a home.
“I have lots of wonderful things to look forward to and have wonderful memories of my students,” Snelick said.
Upon accepting a teaching position at SMAHS Snelick said he was fortunate to replace John Fedorko who he described as a very devoted teacher.
“I believe that I am looking out for the best interest of the kids,”
Snelick said. “Everyone can be replaced, but I think you need to know those kids need a very special person in their lives, willing to give them time.”
Among the words of advice he often shares with students are that they might not be a better math student when they leave his classroom but they'll be a better person. He added he particularly enjoys hearing from former students and noted the many wonderful memories he has made throughout the years.
Snelick also thanked SMAHS Principal Joe Schlimm, who is also a former teaching colleague at ECCHS, and Assistant Principal Warren Beck for all their support throughout the years. Snelick noted his teaching style today is not the same as it was 2-3 years ago
Lundin addressed a comment to Snelick recollecting that as one of his former students while at ECC she was not a strong math student however Snelick never gave up on her and that a meant a lot.