By Ferrell Miller, EdD, Geary Community Schools Foundation Chairman
The JCHS Jazz Band, led by Jared Morris, provided music as teachers, paraeducators, administrators, retirees, those who had previously retired from USD 475, community members and donors were welcomed to the Geary Community Schools Foundation’s 17th Annual Celebration of Teaching Monday at the Junction City Courtyard by Marriott. Justin Aaron, JCHS Class of 2006, and finalist on NBC’s The Voice last season gave the invocation and provided an inspirational song.
Following dinner, Phill Canty, JCHS Class of 1983 and CEO and Founder of Creative Solutions for Youth, LLC, spoke on the impact teachers, a coach and others had on him. Local teachers mentioned were Ligia Paquette, Miss Harmon, and Ruby Stevens. He said “Ruby Stevens once asked me what I wanted to do with my life. I responded that I wanted to be a reporter and work in the media. She set up an interview with Otis Scroggins” and that was the start of learning how to interview people. “I have interviewed two Presidents of the United States, Beyonce, Jay-Z and others having studied at Kansas State University. It’s about the small thing’s teachers do that can have an impact on a student for their entire lives.” He concluded with some thoughts about what we all need in our lives to achieve happiness and grow. Some of those thoughts included: having respect for others; supporting and giving support to others; being cared for and caring for others; being safe and providing safety; to be loved by others and loving others”. Canty currently works as a radio personality and sports analyst for the Washington Commanders NFL football team
Dr. Deb Gustafson, USD 475 Associate Superintendent and Dr. Reginald Eggleston, USD 475 Superintendent presented 12 licensed staff and 8 classified staff who will retire at the end of the current school. Margie Pinaire, Executive Director of the Geary Community Schools Foundation presented scholarships to those who applied for the Devin Family Teacher Scholarship; Ron Shandy Memorial Teacher Scholarship; Geary Community Schools Foundation Teacher and Paraprofessional Scholarships and the Kansas State University Award from the KSU College of Education.
At the end of the celebration, 17 teachers were randomly chosen to receive $100.00 from the Geary Community Schools Foundation. Dr. Eggleston closed the event by thanking the staff and the Geary Community Foundation.
