Country Focus: Educators – Mentors, Life-Changers
Being a graduate of Valley City Public School, I was fortunate to have had teachers who were outstanding in and out of the classroom. Each brought their unique talents to the classroom and left a lasting impact no matter the grade or subject they taught.
Recently, the Valley City High School community lost two great science educators and coaches, Dennis Friestad and Denis Horsager.
I was fortunate to have been taught by both men. Science was definitely not my strongest subject yet I enjoyed each class because they cared that we understood the subject matter. I think that’s why I can look back on my years in school fondly because I had teachers who cared. I’ve been out of school for a long time yet can tell you every teacher I had and how I was impacted by them. I received detention in elementary school because I forgot a homework assignment at home. I didn’t make that mistake again! Learning personal accountability in fourth grade from Mrs. Ussatis was a life lesson that stayed with me. She was a fair and caring teacher. She let me present to the class about our family trip to Arizona over Christmas break. She pulled down the big USA map and marked where we went as I spoke and showed the photos.
Art Goffe taught Drivers Ed and junior year History. He came across as a stoic, no nonsense type of guy. He had a great sense of humor, too. The most impactful moment was when I sat with Mr. Goffe during his term as a representative for District 24 in the ND House. Sitting with him on the House floor, he explained the process and let me vote on the monumental Sunday opening bill. Of course, I was extremely nervous! Did I hit the right button? Is that how Mr. Goffe would have voted? I pressed the green Yea button. “Mr. Goffe was that how you were going to vote?” “Stacey, I would have changed it before the vote was recorded.” Phew!! I will never forget that. I had an interest in the legislative process and he helped expand my knowledge and deepen my interest.
Teachers can also make an impact on our career path. My sister, Sr. Nicole Kunze OSB, became a high school science teacher and then a chemistry professor at University of Mary. Mr. Horsager and others in the science department helped lay the foundation for her path in education.
If you had a teacher or an adult who made an impact in your life growing, don’t be afraid to tell them. Teaching is a job I believe you are called to do. Not everyone can be a teacher. They don’t do it for the money and play an important part in a child’s life. Thank you to all my teachers. You helped me through school and life which I will always be grateful for.