HSCHS graduates reflect on positive influences in their lives

When you come from a small town you often think it’s the end of the world. As teenagers we couldn’t wait to get out of here. Class is boring. Teachers are mean.

Our parents are nothing but a drag, always wanting to know where we are, who we’re with, what we’re doing.

And then we grow up to realize what we had in a small town paved the way to the success we have as adults.

Those teachers we thought were so mean when we were 17 were actually the ones who believed in us, pushed us, taught us to think beyond our little borders and get out there in the world and do something awesome.

Parents sat on hard bleachers for every game, every concert, every program, for 13 years. Even though we hated it, our parents knew a small town was the best for us.

Lily Hayes recently asked the question on social media “What profession are you in?” and the answers are fun and enlightening.

Doug Bunch (Class of 1971) - High school Science/Biology Teacher 25 years and Football Coach 15 years. Retired from Education in 2001. Real Estate Broker currently and looking forward to retirement. “I was primarily influenced to go into education and coaching because of my two older brothers, Ed and Ray Bunch--both becoming teachers and coaches, as well. And then Ed got me into real estate, too. Ed Haratyk and Stan Ainsworth at Lucerne School and then Karl Allen and Floyd Bass at THS influenced me to teach and enjoy Biology. Phil Treick was my role model in Football Coaching. Every teacher influenced my decision to teach and contributed to my teaching methods. Thank you.”

Valerie Turcotte Miller Vasquez (Class of 1971) – Librarian. “I loved the time I spent in the public library leading to helping in the HS library as a freshman & sophomore. The thirst for knowledge and curiosity now has me as a part-time legal assistant.”

Jody Legerski Carter (Class of 1975) – Floral designer. “I was a floral designer for 25 years. The creativity came from my mom and grandma, the knowledge of running a business, Huella Darling.”

Kellie Faith (Class of 1996) – Masters in criminal justice and sociology. “Although not a teacher he has lots of ties to HSCHS- Mike Chimenti. He showed me how one person can selflessly make a difference in so many lives just by being there for them. He helped and guided me more than I think he has ever realized.”

Carmalen Grutsch (Class of 2000) – Masters in Occupational Therapy. “I have a few that influenced me, William Malloy, Mike Gauthier, and although he wasn’t a high school teacher, he grew my love of the sciences, Bob Wyss.”

Daviena Schauer (Class of 1989) – Accountant. “I’m an accountant with a couple business degrees on top of it. Huella Darling was most influential to me. I always talk about learning Lotus 1-2-3 from her. Most people now have no clue what that is.”

Mary Ann Yuill (Class of 1965) – Nurse. “Registered nurse for 41 years. Mr. Albers had a positive influence.”

Ginger Ready Peterson (Class of 1984) – Police officer. “I’m a police officer (yes this may confuse and delight some). Mrs. Darling taught me many great wisdoms. She would say “Cheaters never prosper”. Although she didn’t directly influence me into law enforcement, she made a great impression on me. Also Mrs. McNeff was my kindergarten teacher. I totally remember the cool stuff she had in her classroom. Also Mrs. Campbell (3rd grade I think) made me realize what grades meant.”

Dave T. Clayton (Class of 1973) – Engineering. “Influenced by Robert Wyss - science, Bruce Kostelecki - engineering drafting, all those math teachers, and Mrs. Mecca who deserved a whole lot more respect than I gave her and who somehow managed to give me a strong foundation for technical writing. While I went to school and the beer garden, I managed to pick up a Masters in Mechanical Engineering at UW, and work for 35 years in the aerospace business, travelled to the Netherlands, Germany, Wales, Turkey, Argentina, and Japan then retired last Feb. THS prepared me well, had engineers from all over the US working for me. Wished I would have taken shop and typing!”

Mandi Halone Moore (Class of 1997) – Educator. “I’m a National Board Certified Teacher because of Mrs. Eckhart, Coach Simpson, Mr. Wyss, Mrs. Smith (at Lucerne), and Mr. Kay. Even though I probably gave them lots of headaches!”

Bruce Vinnola (Class of 1974) – Engineering. “I’ve been employed in the power production industry for the past 40 years. I’m currently in engineering. I owe a great debt of gratitude to the math and science teachers for putting up with me. I’m confident I was afflicted with A.D.D. back then. But the single greatest occupational influence was Mr. Wyss. His explanations of the workings of chemistry and his insistence to memorize the element abbreviations are things I frequently use. I’ve had other chemistry but Mr. Wyss gave me the learning that stuck with me best. Second place is Mrs. Darling. A significant portion of my work time is spent attached to a keyboard. Her teaching has reduced my time at work by countless hours.”

John Hammond (Class of 1974) – Air Force. “My first job was the Air Force. I’ve been an interpreter/interrogation specialist with the Russian language. I still remember Mr. Allen singing, ‘If I were a rich man’ whenever he elicited a good response from a student.”

Cindy Glasson (Class of 1981) – Reporter/photographer, Independent Record. “I have spent my life in the public eye, starting with television, radio and now newspapers. (Those of you who remember my start on TV can stop laughing now!) I had two instructors that influenced me tremendously, Mr. Malloy, whom I still cannot call “Bill”, and Mr. Allen. Mr. Malloy taught us all what hard work and dedication to your craft can create. Tough? Yes, but he had a huge influence on a generation of Thermopolis kids that cannot be forgotten. And Mr. Allen, who made sure I sat right in front of his desk. My saving grace was a huge vocabulary. Mr. Allen would tell a joke using some obscure word and I would be the only one who laughed. My curiosity about world religions, politics and the truth are all his fault!”