Faculty and Staff Appreciation

A few weeks ago, we had the distinct privilege of honoring three of our beloved faculty members at our faculty and staff appreciation picnic who have dedicated over 60 years of collective service to our students: Larry Martin, Susan Stoltfus, and Patsy Seitz. Their absence will leave a significant void in our community, and to say they will be missed is an understatement.

A Legacy of Kindness, Humor, Patience, and Creativity

Mr. Larry Martin, known for his kind and gentle demeanor, leaves a lasting impression on his students. His approach to teaching math, characterized by the question, “Who got something different? Tell me how you got there…”, encouraged an environment of curiosity and learning.

Ms. Patsy Seitz’s sense of humor and dedication to teaching excellence in writing have inspired many students. One student shared, “I used to dread writing essays until I took Ms. Seitz’s Advanced Composition class; now I look forward to it.”

Ms. Susan Stoltzfus, a foundational presence at the elementary school since its inception, has been instrumental in shaping the school’s culture. Her innovative ideas, such as dessert theater and various committees, have enriched the school community. Known for her immense patience and creativity, she even brought themed snacks to life during the holidays.

We cherish the countless gifts these educators have bestowed upon us, many of which they may never fully realize.

A Heartfelt Tribute

At our recent faculty and staff appreciation chapel, Erika Gascho, the principal of EMS Middle School, delivered a poignant litany celebrating the efforts of our faculty and staff:

We come to school each day
To a clean building
With a delicious lunch prepared for us
The lights are on, the heat or AC running
We get what we need from the front office
And we have a place to go when we aren’t feeling well
We have people to talk to when we need them
Lessons are prepared by experts in their content area and
Taught with care and consideration
Student schedules are created with intention
Letters of recommendation are written
And life after high school is figured out
Eterms are coordinated and executed
We have a library full of good books
We have transportation for field trips, games, and events
Our bills get paid and our school stays open
New students are added each year
And there is so much that happens beyond the school day
Concerts, plays, sports, musicals, banquets, lock-ins, socials…
Which all get communicated through emails, articles, and social media
All of this is possible because of the faculty and staff who make this school run
And run at an exceptional level
So today, for a few minutes, we are going to pause and be grateful for them…

A Community of Gratitude

We are profoundly grateful for our outstanding faculty and staff. Their creativity, dedication, and hard work make our school a vibrant place of learning and growth. Their contributions do not go unnoticed, and the community cherishes the impact they have made. You can view the appreciation chapel here!