June 20, 2024 • 20 mins
Today we are talking with a longtime Oregon teacher - and somewhat of a celebrity - who was recently awarded the prestigious Crystal Apple Award. Tune in to hear directly from OHS art teacher, Mike Derrick, and one of the students who nominated him for this honor.
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Episode Transcript
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SPEAKER1:
Today we are talking about a long time Oregon teacher and somewhat of a
celebrity, who was recently awarded the prestigious Crystal Apple Award. (00:00):
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It's going to be a great conversation with OHS art teacher, Mike Derrick, andone of the students who nominated him for this honor.
SPEAKER2: Welcome to this episode of Inside the OSD podcast, where it's all about the kids. (00:19):
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Here is your host, lifelong educator, and our superintendent, Doctor LeslieBergstrom.
SPEAKER1: Welcome to Inside the OSD. (00:32):
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I'd like to start with where this all started.
We're going to be talking with Mr.
Derrick about his award today.
And I want to begin with the nomination process and one of our students whosubmitted a nomination.
Nina, could you begin by introducing yourself to our listeners?
SPEAKER3: Hi. My name is Nina Andreev. (00:50):
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I'm a senior this year.
SPEAKER1: Thank you. Have you been here all four years? (00:56):
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Yes. Did you take art all four years?
SPEAKER3: I did, you. (01:01):
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SPEAKER1: Did? Oh, that's awesome to hear about. (01:02):
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So talk about the nomination process and what was involved.
SPEAKER3: So, every year, um, Mr. (01:08):
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D offers us to fill out this form for NBC, and it's the Crystal Appleapplication
or process and --
SPEAKER1: Saying like, if you want to nominate a teacher, here's the thing, that kind of thing? (01:26):
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SPEAKER3: Yeah. Cool. And so he usually says, "don't nominate me. (01:29):
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Like I -- pick your favorite teacher." And he genuinely means I like that.
And um, this year I really thought about it.
And I believe Mr.
D is my favorite teacher.
And so as I fill out the form, you kind of just write a little paragraph andsubmit it.
(01:56):
And I was like, so surprised.
I was really happy when I found out that, like, I played a role in this.
You played a big
SPEAKER1: role in this. This is pretty cool. (02:08):
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So why was that important for you to do it?
SPEAKER3: Um, I mean, I did it every year, but I just feel like, you know, if there's a chance that they can get it, then I might as (02:15):
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well do it and just speak from my heart.
SPEAKER1: All -- I really -- I really like that. (02:28):
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It's about speaking from your heart.
And if something good comes from it, great, right?
So what else do you want to share about Mr.
Derrick? What did you put in the nomination?
Let's hear about that.
SPEAKER3: So in the little paragraph I wrote, I kind of just explained how I feel like he's like really dedicated (02:42):
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to his job.
And I think that Mr.
D like tries to get to know everyone personally and he like, helps out studentsa lot.
(03:06):
And so I just think-- and he's -- he's worked here for a really long time.
So I think that shows that he --- he's in it -- his job.
SPEAKER1: Yeah. Yeah that's lovely. (03:18):
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And you know I think every teacher tries to--to create a sense of connection.
But sometimes certain teachers you just feel it more, right?
Yeah. Yeah. And this is an example of you just feeling that connection to agreater level.
And that's a pretty great thing.
So now I'd like to turn to you, Mr.Derrick.
You are a longtime educator, as Nina mentioned in our school district.
(03:42):
And many people know you.
Um, and that is very evident by all of the notes of congratulations that cameout when your award was announced.
But for many people, they have not had the pleasure of meeting you yet.
So could you introduce yourself to our listeners, including your background asan OSD educator?
SPEAKER4: All righty. I am, uh, Michael Derrick, and I am an art teacher here at the high school. (04:02):
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And next year will be my 30th year.
Wow. And so I started back in '95.
Um, I was hired in the -- I was hired just about this time of year.
I remember coming in and students were taking finals and, and, uh, that's how Igot started.
(04:28):
I came from -- I had taught a couple years down in Illinois.
Okay. That's where I got my start when I graduated from UW-Whitewater.
And at that time when I graduated, I -- be honest, I wasn't really sure if Iwanted to be a teacher.
I had gotten an art degree with, um, graphic design, and, uh, I actually was,um, that summer I went to a couple
(04:51):
different job interviews, some for teaching, and then one of the kind ofinteresting ones was down on Michigan Avenue for ad agency.
SPEAKER1: Oh, talk about different opportunities. (04:59):
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SPEAKER4: Yeah. And that was right across the street from the Art Institute. (05:01):
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Wow. Um, but I went down there for two interviews, and that's a whole 'nother.
That would be another long podcast.
Um, I just really kind of found out I was not a big city kid.
Yeah, and that was not the lifestyle I really wanted.
And so I decided to take a teaching job, and then that kind of all snowballedfrom there.
(05:25):
It sure
SPEAKER1: did. Who was the principal when you were hired? (05:26):
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The principal here at at the high school?
SPEAKER4: Again, that's kind of a funny story, too. (05:30):
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Um, I was actually hired by Jackie Potter, who was an associate principal.
Um, but I didn't know who the principal was because he was not around.
Um, I think he had some health issues.
Oh, so he
SPEAKER1: was gone for that (05:48):
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SPEAKER4: time. Gone. And so I got hired by Jackie Potter and and, uh, that whole summer, she kind of, like, introduced me to the building. (05:49):
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I'd come in and get stuff ready, and, uh, that was kind of funny.
So about two months into the school year, she's like, "well, have you met theprincipal yet?" and I'm like, "what are you talking about?" I thought it -- it
(06:10):
was her.
SPEAKER5: So. (06:11):
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SPEAKER4: I was -- i thought she was joking. (06:12):
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I thought she was giving me a hard time.
You know, one of those new guy initiation things.
And so I said, "what are you talking about?" You know, so she took me in andintroduced me to Mr.
Voss.
SPEAKER1: Got it. (06:24):
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SPEAKER4: Got it. Yeah. So he was the principal when I first started, but I thought it was Jackie Potter. (06:25):
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SPEAKER1: Well, okay, that means Jackie Potter was doing a great job because she was the -- she was the one making sure you were happy in your new home. (06:31):
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Yeah. And you must be happy because you've been here 30 years, so.
SPEAKER5: Yeah. (06:42):
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SPEAKER4: Yeah, it was that summer was really interesting because I remember when I first came here, like, I didn't even want to drive in Madison because I found out, (06:42):
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like, like I said, down in Chicago, I did not really like driving.
And I thought Madison was a big city.
So, um, but she was awesome.
She -- i remember her actually calling my mom.
Really? Yeah. Because I was -- for that summer, I went back and stayed at myhome-- hometown.
(07:07):
Um, my dad had passed away when I first graduated from college, and so that waspart of the reason I, I decided to even answer an application which the
application for the Oregon School District was in the State Journal.
My mom saw it.
And so, boy, times have changed.
Yeah, yeah. And so I called the school district and got a, um, application sentto me in Illinois.
(07:31):
And I got there on Thursday and it was supposed to be due on Friday, so I typedit really quick.
It probably -- I'm sure it's probably in a file somewhere, but it probably hasa lot of white-out and stuff on it because -- I should go
SPEAKER5: back and see if it (07:44):
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SPEAKER1: is. That'd be fun. (07:44):
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SPEAKER4: I'm not a, um, I am not a typist at all. (07:45):
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Um, so there was a lot of white-out and stuff on it.
So I drove up from Illinois on a Thursday night.
My cousin was living in Madison, and, uh, I was like, "well, can you take thatto, um--" and I asked if he could take it into the into the main
office. You know, he's like, "well, I can't, I got work" and I'm like, "oh mygosh, what am I going to do?" I did all this and I'm like, and he--he was a big
(08:13):
football fan.
And he goes, "I know the head coach of, um, Oregon's football team." Oh, wow.
So the first person I ever met in Oregon technically was Bob Prahl.
SPEAKER5: Wow! Yes, I called him. (08:24):
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Yes.
SPEAKER4: We looked him up in the old fashioned phone book that was like, you know, a foot thick. (08:27):
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And, uh, so I called him, and he's like, "well, I'm not really the person youneed to speak to," but he told me who I should call, which was at that time, Cal
Callaway.
SPEAKER5: I remember Mr. Callaway. (08:42):
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Yeah.
SPEAKER4: He was a, uh, the head curriculum guy. (08:44):
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Yes. And so he gave me his phone number.
So I called him. And this is like at 9:00 on Thursday night, and I kind ofcalled and said, "well, I'd like to apply," but I said.
SPEAKER5: I can't get there. (08:57):
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SPEAKER4: "I can't get there." And, uh, you know, "I won't make it in time." And he offered to let me bring it to his house, so I drove we drove into Oregon. (08:58):
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No GPS or anything at that time.
Right. So we're trying to figure out how to get get to his house.
He lived, like, in a little subdivision.
And, uh, I just remember, uh, we went to the door and he kind of came out andhe looked kind of, I'm going to say kind of gruff, maybe, you know, not real
(09:23):
happy that I was at his house at like 9:30 and his wife was peeking out of thecurtains like trying to see.
SPEAKER5: Is it safe? Yeah. (09:29):
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Like, who's this?
SPEAKER4: Who's this person coming? I remember when I went back to the car, I'm like, I went to my cousin. (09:32):
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"Well, we can head out.
I won't ever be working in this town."
SPEAKER5: And lo and (09:41):
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SPEAKER4: behold! Lo and behold, so he was actually he was actually the second step in the, um, interview process. (09:42):
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SPEAKER1: You know, it sounds like it was much more personalized in the low tech era, right? (09:49):
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Like showing up at somebody's house.
There's a part of me that wishes there was a piece of that we could reclaim,you know, a lot of connection.
Well, I was fortunate to be present when you received this award, and thepresentation was a surprise.
(10:09):
Oh, yeah. Pretty cool how that happened.
But Mr. Pliner kind of acted as the decoy, and he needed to meet you and kindof lure you back, um, to the art gallery by saying you were going to his office
to discuss, i think it was like department allocation or something like that.
Right. And instead, when you got to the art gallery, it was quite a surpriseand the award was presented.
(10:30):
So walk us through that experience, please.
SPEAKER4: I was set up pretty good. (10:34):
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SPEAKER5: Um. (10:36):
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SPEAKER4: It was a huge surprise. (10:37):
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I mean, such an honor.
I mean, I like--I mean, as you were there, I really had a hard time talking atfirst, but the whole process of, you know, thinking I was just going to a
meeting, you know, and then my kind of goofy personality when he's on the radioand I asked for a wheelchair ride, um, probably wasn't, you know, I
(10:58):
don't know how that looked, you know, uh, but when I, when I start walkingdown, you know, I still thinking I was going to the--
SPEAKER5: Yeah. (11:08):
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SPEAKER4: And, you know, when you look back. I'm kind of like, well, not all these pieces kind of fell together, but, uh, and he's like, "well, let's go in here." And (11:09):
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I--it's even on the recording because like when Panther Vision did their littlething, it was, yeah, you can hear me say, "I'm supposed to be in here?" You
know, because I was like, "why?
Why do you want me to go in there?" And because I'm very protective andpossessive of the art gallery, I put a lot of time into it.
(11:35):
And so I was like, "why are the lights on?
Why are the people in there?" Because we were trying to get ready for anothershow.
SPEAKER5: Right? (11:39):
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SPEAKER1: You didn't want people to mess with your show. (11:39):
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SPEAKER5: Yeah. No. So I was like. (11:41):
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SPEAKER4: So we walked in and then it was like all these people, everybody was staring at me and I was like. (11:43):
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And then like, you know, like in slow motion, you start picking out things.
So at first I, the first thing I noticed was all the students.
And then I'm like-- with all the
SPEAKER1: balloons and (11:58):
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SPEAKER5: such. Yeah. (11:58):
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SPEAKER4: And, and you know, and everyone's kind of just smiling at me and I, and I and I started looking around. (11:59):
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Well, then I saw the camera and then I saw my, my wife and son behind it.
And I was like, you know, my wife had me all set up.
She said he was going to the orthodontist to have a mold made for braces, whichI now I found out that that's not even a thing.
SPEAKER5: They totally made that up. (12:20):
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I thought she did
SPEAKER4: a good job. I fell for that. (12:22):
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Um, but then.
Then I started seeing you and the administrators, and I was worried I was introuble, and.
SPEAKER5: I was like-- I don't usually (12:31):
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SPEAKER1: film that. (12:32):
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SPEAKER5: Yeah, that's good, good, good. (12:33):
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But, uh, yeah.
SPEAKER4: I have to remember that. (12:37):
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But, uh, you know, then it kind of all started clicking and then and then itreally kind of hit when, you know, Leigh Mills stepped out.
SPEAKER5: Yeah, yeah. (12:47):
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SPEAKER4: Had the crystal apple. (12:48):
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But um, that was that would be a highlight i don't think I'll ever forget fromteaching.
I mean, when it comes from the students, I mean, yeah, I've gotten a few otherawards, but I mean, when it comes from students, that's just so special.
SPEAKER1: Well, okay, you this really leads to this. (13:04):
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So what does it mean to you to have received this honor to hear from yourstudents?
Students like Nina talk about the process and the importance of nominating you.
SPEAKER4: It's--it's very overwhelming. (13:18):
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I mean, I can't even explain how much of an honor it is.
And and if I start going in too deep, I'll start choking up.
SPEAKER5: Um. (13:27):
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SPEAKER4: It's a very emotional thing. (13:28):
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Yeah. And, uh, so I've had a lot of awesome students that have made me lookgood over the years.
SPEAKER1: So a lot of talented people. (13:35):
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SPEAKER5: Yeah. I mean. (13:37):
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SPEAKER4: I spent a lot of time at school doing different things, and, and, uh, I, I think about all the people I (13:38):
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know. But then, like, with this happening, like, I've realized how manypeople--I don't know, it's pretty amazing.
SPEAKER5: So. (13:55):
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SPEAKER1: Well, just so--for the listener to imagine we're, we're in a workroom off of the classroom, and it's filled with posters of teams (13:55):
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and artwork that students have created.
And it really is-- it just kind of pays tribute to the fact that you haveconnections with kids in multiple areas.
It's art, but it's also athletics.
(14:17):
You've made a lot of connections through that route, too.
SPEAKER5: Oh, there's-- (14:19):
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SPEAKER4: There's been so many cool students, like, I mean, in the art world, having a student that, you know, worked in the film industry, you know, I had one student (14:20):
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that, uh, Amber who, uh, ended up working for, I believe it was DNA animations.
And they were doing, um, I think they made ant bully the movie.
(14:42):
The animated movie. Wow.
And, uh, she would send me emails and go, "guess what I'm doing today?" And I'dbe like, "I don't know." And she's like, "I'm going to the airport to pick up
Tom Hanks."
SPEAKER5: I'm like, "that sounds kind of fun. (14:53):
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Kind of fun."
SPEAKER4: You know, I have a very exciting job, but I, um, I don't know, quite that exciting. (14:58):
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But, uh, you know, and I got a student that designed the video game of theyear.
SPEAKER5: Oh, wow. (15:08):
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SPEAKER4: And, uh, one, one girl in animation, Jen Zernick is, uh, you know, did some work. (15:10):
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Her first job out of college as a medical illustrator was working for NASA.
And so now she works for a company in Madison.
Um, and then when it comes to sports, I love all the--all the different people.
(15:31):
Oh, yeah. The different things that the.
SPEAKER1: Walls are covered. (15:32):
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SPEAKER4: Yeah. I mean, uh, all of them have kind of fun stories, and I get fun stories about each of them, you know, and a lot of them I get to, uh, connect with and (15:33):
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and stay in touch with.
I mean, if there's a good thing about social media, it's kind of one.
I don't know if I would have all those connections.
I mean, last night was special.
Um, that was cool.
(15:55):
Meeting up with, uh.
SPEAKER5: The art show was last night. (15:56):
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Yeah.
SPEAKER4: And, uh, but yes, some of them, um, and I also have the luxury now of some of these kids that are on, on the wall I work with. (15:58):
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SPEAKER1: Oh, that is pretty cool. (16:06):
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Yeah.
SPEAKER4: So Matt Weber. (16:08):
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Yes, I followed, you know, he went to the same school I did.
So I used to go watch him play football at Whitewater and.
Wow. And now he's here and, uh, Ryan Stace and.
Yeah. Rebekah Krenz.
SPEAKER5: Um, yes. (16:23):
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SPEAKER4: I'm sure if I sat for a minute and looked at it, school's getting big. (16:24):
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A lot different than when I first started.
I think
SPEAKER1: Chris Prahl was (16:30):
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SPEAKER5: here too. Chris Prahl. (16:30):
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SPEAKER4: Yeah he's he's on there. (16:31):
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Mhm. Um mhm. Yeah.
All the Prahl boys.
Um I was
SPEAKER1: an associate principal for a lot of the people you're mentioning too. (16:36):
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So I remember them fondly also.
SPEAKER4: Yeah I remember you as the associate principal. (16:42):
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SPEAKER1: So when we shared this --your honor on district social media, it truly went viral. (16:44):
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One of the farthest reaching posts we've ever had.
And so, um, that's pretty cool.
Um, and that's just the social media.
So I can imagine what it's been like for you to get calls and emails andin-person acknowledgments.
What's that been like?
SPEAKER4: Again, the best word to describe it has been overwhelming. (17:04):
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Um, you know, I've gotten cards at home and, you know, from students that someof my I've been in touch with but like that are often
like far off places and-- really?
SPEAKER5: And they heard (17:21):
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SPEAKER1: about this and sent you a card to your (17:22):
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SPEAKER5: home? Yeah. Yeah, that's (17:24):
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SPEAKER1: really (17:25):
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SPEAKER5: cool. (17:25):
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SPEAKER4: Even former staff members, I mean, it's been crazy. (17:26):
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I don't know how else to explain it.
I was at the bank the other day.
I think I was telling her this, um, I was at the bank and I held the door forsomeone.
I was -- and they kind of looked up from their stuff that they got at the bank,and they go, "well, I should be holding the door for you.
(17:47):
You're a Crystal Apple winner."
SPEAKER5: Like, Aww! (17:48):
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well, thanks. Okay.
That's really sweet.
SPEAKER4: Yeah. And I mean, yesterday I like to walk the track at lunch sometimes when I get a chance trying to stay somewhat healthy. (17:55):
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But, uh, um, Steve Staton was out there doing an interview with, uh, FrankCaruso, and.
Oh, and, uh, you know, also, he stopped his interview and came over and gave mea hug and congratulated me from when he worked here and stuff.
(18:16):
Yeah, it's yeah, my brain is stuck in overwhelming.
It's it's it's.
SPEAKER5: I can understand (18:24):
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SPEAKER1: why that might (18:24):
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SPEAKER5: be the word. Yeah. (18:25):
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SPEAKER4: I can't imagine any other thing that could get that would have been more of an honor or a pleasure. (18:26):
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SPEAKER1: Thank you. (18:34):
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Is there anything else you'd like to share with our listeners?
SPEAKER4: Uh, you know, I've considered myself honored to get to be here, you know, our theme in our house, because of all the things that have happened to us, (18:39):
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has been "everything happens for a reason.
" And, uh, I always try to keep a positive attitude, try to make it a fun placefor the kids to be, a place where they can feel safe and be themselves and
(19:01):
kind of express their creativity and, and do that.
So, you know, so much of my life has been centered around school, you know, Imean, from my mom
finding the ad in the newspaper to come in here, you know, and the reason Icame was because my dad had passed away and I was hoping to be a little closer
to where I grew up and, uh, to even--I literally met my wife, um, because ofthe school.
SPEAKER1: Oh, that's--a that's a great way to end it. (19:29):
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That's, that's a happy thing.
Thank you both.
Remember that you can find links to all episodes of Inside the OSD and submittopic ideas on our website at OregonSD.Org
/podcast.
You can find this podcast anywhere you can find podcasts.
(19:51):
Make sure to subscribe if you're listening on one of these apps to getnotifications on the most recent episodes.
We'll see you next time on Inside the OSD, where it's all about the kids.
undefined
It's going to be a great conversation with OHS art teacher, Mike Derrick, andone of the students who nominated him for this honor.
SPEAKER2: Welcome to this episode of Inside the OSD podcast, where it's all about the kids. (00:19):
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Here is your host, lifelong educator, and our superintendent, Doctor LeslieBergstrom.
SPEAKER1: Welcome to Inside the OSD. (00:32):
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I'd like to start with where this all started.
We're going to be talking with Mr.
Derrick about his award today.
And I want to begin with the nomination process and one of our students whosubmitted a nomination.
Nina, could you begin by introducing yourself to our listeners?
SPEAKER3: Hi. My name is Nina Andreev. (00:50):
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I'm a senior this year.
SPEAKER1: Thank you. Have you been here all four years? (00:56):
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Yes. Did you take art all four years?
SPEAKER3: I did, you. (01:01):
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SPEAKER1: Did? Oh, that's awesome to hear about. (01:02):
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So talk about the nomination process and what was involved.
SPEAKER3: So, every year, um, Mr. (01:08):
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D offers us to fill out this form for NBC, and it's the Crystal Appleapplication
or process and --
SPEAKER1: Saying like, if you want to nominate a teacher, here's the thing, that kind of thing? (01:26):
undefined
SPEAKER3: Yeah. Cool. And so he usually says, "don't nominate me. (01:29):
undefined
Like I -- pick your favorite teacher." And he genuinely means I like that.
And um, this year I really thought about it.
And I believe Mr.
D is my favorite teacher.
And so as I fill out the form, you kind of just write a little paragraph andsubmit it.
(01:56):
And I was like, so surprised.
I was really happy when I found out that, like, I played a role in this.
You played a big
SPEAKER1: role in this. This is pretty cool. (02:08):
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So why was that important for you to do it?
SPEAKER3: Um, I mean, I did it every year, but I just feel like, you know, if there's a chance that they can get it, then I might as (02:15):
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well do it and just speak from my heart.
SPEAKER1: All -- I really -- I really like that. (02:28):
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It's about speaking from your heart.
And if something good comes from it, great, right?
So what else do you want to share about Mr.
Derrick? What did you put in the nomination?
Let's hear about that.
SPEAKER3: So in the little paragraph I wrote, I kind of just explained how I feel like he's like really dedicated (02:42):
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to his job.
And I think that Mr.
D like tries to get to know everyone personally and he like, helps out studentsa lot.
(03:06):
And so I just think-- and he's -- he's worked here for a really long time.
So I think that shows that he --- he's in it -- his job.
SPEAKER1: Yeah. Yeah that's lovely. (03:18):
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And you know I think every teacher tries to--to create a sense of connection.
But sometimes certain teachers you just feel it more, right?
Yeah. Yeah. And this is an example of you just feeling that connection to agreater level.
And that's a pretty great thing.
So now I'd like to turn to you, Mr.Derrick.
You are a longtime educator, as Nina mentioned in our school district.
(03:42):
And many people know you.
Um, and that is very evident by all of the notes of congratulations that cameout when your award was announced.
But for many people, they have not had the pleasure of meeting you yet.
So could you introduce yourself to our listeners, including your background asan OSD educator?
SPEAKER4: All righty. I am, uh, Michael Derrick, and I am an art teacher here at the high school. (04:02):
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And next year will be my 30th year.
Wow. And so I started back in '95.
Um, I was hired in the -- I was hired just about this time of year.
I remember coming in and students were taking finals and, and, uh, that's how Igot started.
(04:28):
I came from -- I had taught a couple years down in Illinois.
Okay. That's where I got my start when I graduated from UW-Whitewater.
And at that time when I graduated, I -- be honest, I wasn't really sure if Iwanted to be a teacher.
I had gotten an art degree with, um, graphic design, and, uh, I actually was,um, that summer I went to a couple
(04:51):
different job interviews, some for teaching, and then one of the kind ofinteresting ones was down on Michigan Avenue for ad agency.
SPEAKER1: Oh, talk about different opportunities. (04:59):
undefined
SPEAKER4: Yeah. And that was right across the street from the Art Institute. (05:01):
undefined
Wow. Um, but I went down there for two interviews, and that's a whole 'nother.
That would be another long podcast.
Um, I just really kind of found out I was not a big city kid.
Yeah, and that was not the lifestyle I really wanted.
And so I decided to take a teaching job, and then that kind of all snowballedfrom there.
(05:25):
It sure
SPEAKER1: did. Who was the principal when you were hired? (05:26):
undefined
The principal here at at the high school?
SPEAKER4: Again, that's kind of a funny story, too. (05:30):
undefined
Um, I was actually hired by Jackie Potter, who was an associate principal.
Um, but I didn't know who the principal was because he was not around.
Um, I think he had some health issues.
Oh, so he
SPEAKER1: was gone for that (05:48):
undefined
SPEAKER4: time. Gone. And so I got hired by Jackie Potter and and, uh, that whole summer, she kind of, like, introduced me to the building. (05:49):
undefined
I'd come in and get stuff ready, and, uh, that was kind of funny.
So about two months into the school year, she's like, "well, have you met theprincipal yet?" and I'm like, "what are you talking about?" I thought it -- it
(06:10):
was her.
SPEAKER5: So. (06:11):
undefined
SPEAKER4: I was -- i thought she was joking. (06:12):
undefined
I thought she was giving me a hard time.
You know, one of those new guy initiation things.
And so I said, "what are you talking about?" You know, so she took me in andintroduced me to Mr.
Voss.
SPEAKER1: Got it. (06:24):
undefined
SPEAKER4: Got it. Yeah. So he was the principal when I first started, but I thought it was Jackie Potter. (06:25):
undefined
SPEAKER1: Well, okay, that means Jackie Potter was doing a great job because she was the -- she was the one making sure you were happy in your new home. (06:31):
undefined
Yeah. And you must be happy because you've been here 30 years, so.
SPEAKER5: Yeah. (06:42):
undefined
SPEAKER4: Yeah, it was that summer was really interesting because I remember when I first came here, like, I didn't even want to drive in Madison because I found out, (06:42):
undefined
like, like I said, down in Chicago, I did not really like driving.
And I thought Madison was a big city.
So, um, but she was awesome.
She -- i remember her actually calling my mom.
Really? Yeah. Because I was -- for that summer, I went back and stayed at myhome-- hometown.
(07:07):
Um, my dad had passed away when I first graduated from college, and so that waspart of the reason I, I decided to even answer an application which the
application for the Oregon School District was in the State Journal.
My mom saw it.
And so, boy, times have changed.
Yeah, yeah. And so I called the school district and got a, um, application sentto me in Illinois.
(07:31):
And I got there on Thursday and it was supposed to be due on Friday, so I typedit really quick.
It probably -- I'm sure it's probably in a file somewhere, but it probably hasa lot of white-out and stuff on it because -- I should go
SPEAKER5: back and see if it (07:44):
undefined
SPEAKER1: is. That'd be fun. (07:44):
undefined
SPEAKER4: I'm not a, um, I am not a typist at all. (07:45):
undefined
Um, so there was a lot of white-out and stuff on it.
So I drove up from Illinois on a Thursday night.
My cousin was living in Madison, and, uh, I was like, "well, can you take thatto, um--" and I asked if he could take it into the into the main
office. You know, he's like, "well, I can't, I got work" and I'm like, "oh mygosh, what am I going to do?" I did all this and I'm like, and he--he was a big
(08:13):
football fan.
And he goes, "I know the head coach of, um, Oregon's football team." Oh, wow.
So the first person I ever met in Oregon technically was Bob Prahl.
SPEAKER5: Wow! Yes, I called him. (08:24):
undefined
Yes.
SPEAKER4: We looked him up in the old fashioned phone book that was like, you know, a foot thick. (08:27):
undefined
And, uh, so I called him, and he's like, "well, I'm not really the person youneed to speak to," but he told me who I should call, which was at that time, Cal
Callaway.
SPEAKER5: I remember Mr. Callaway. (08:42):
undefined
Yeah.
SPEAKER4: He was a, uh, the head curriculum guy. (08:44):
undefined
Yes. And so he gave me his phone number.
So I called him. And this is like at 9:00 on Thursday night, and I kind ofcalled and said, "well, I'd like to apply," but I said.
SPEAKER5: I can't get there. (08:57):
undefined
SPEAKER4: "I can't get there." And, uh, you know, "I won't make it in time." And he offered to let me bring it to his house, so I drove we drove into Oregon. (08:58):
undefined
No GPS or anything at that time.
Right. So we're trying to figure out how to get get to his house.
He lived, like, in a little subdivision.
And, uh, I just remember, uh, we went to the door and he kind of came out andhe looked kind of, I'm going to say kind of gruff, maybe, you know, not real
(09:23):
happy that I was at his house at like 9:30 and his wife was peeking out of thecurtains like trying to see.
SPEAKER5: Is it safe? Yeah. (09:29):
undefined
Like, who's this?
SPEAKER4: Who's this person coming? I remember when I went back to the car, I'm like, I went to my cousin. (09:32):
undefined
"Well, we can head out.
I won't ever be working in this town."
SPEAKER5: And lo and (09:41):
undefined
SPEAKER4: behold! Lo and behold, so he was actually he was actually the second step in the, um, interview process. (09:42):
undefined
SPEAKER1: You know, it sounds like it was much more personalized in the low tech era, right? (09:49):
undefined
Like showing up at somebody's house.
There's a part of me that wishes there was a piece of that we could reclaim,you know, a lot of connection.
Well, I was fortunate to be present when you received this award, and thepresentation was a surprise.
(10:09):
Oh, yeah. Pretty cool how that happened.
But Mr. Pliner kind of acted as the decoy, and he needed to meet you and kindof lure you back, um, to the art gallery by saying you were going to his office
to discuss, i think it was like department allocation or something like that.
Right. And instead, when you got to the art gallery, it was quite a surpriseand the award was presented.
(10:30):
So walk us through that experience, please.
SPEAKER4: I was set up pretty good. (10:34):
undefined
SPEAKER5: Um. (10:36):
undefined
SPEAKER4: It was a huge surprise. (10:37):
undefined
I mean, such an honor.
I mean, I like--I mean, as you were there, I really had a hard time talking atfirst, but the whole process of, you know, thinking I was just going to a
meeting, you know, and then my kind of goofy personality when he's on the radioand I asked for a wheelchair ride, um, probably wasn't, you know, I
(10:58):
don't know how that looked, you know, uh, but when I, when I start walkingdown, you know, I still thinking I was going to the--
SPEAKER5: Yeah. (11:08):
undefined
SPEAKER4: And, you know, when you look back. I'm kind of like, well, not all these pieces kind of fell together, but, uh, and he's like, "well, let's go in here." And (11:09):
undefined
I--it's even on the recording because like when Panther Vision did their littlething, it was, yeah, you can hear me say, "I'm supposed to be in here?" You
know, because I was like, "why?
Why do you want me to go in there?" And because I'm very protective andpossessive of the art gallery, I put a lot of time into it.
(11:35):
And so I was like, "why are the lights on?
Why are the people in there?" Because we were trying to get ready for anothershow.
SPEAKER5: Right? (11:39):
undefined
SPEAKER1: You didn't want people to mess with your show. (11:39):
undefined
SPEAKER5: Yeah. No. So I was like. (11:41):
undefined
SPEAKER4: So we walked in and then it was like all these people, everybody was staring at me and I was like. (11:43):
undefined
And then like, you know, like in slow motion, you start picking out things.
So at first I, the first thing I noticed was all the students.
And then I'm like-- with all the
SPEAKER1: balloons and (11:58):
undefined
SPEAKER5: such. Yeah. (11:58):
undefined
SPEAKER4: And, and you know, and everyone's kind of just smiling at me and I, and I and I started looking around. (11:59):
undefined
Well, then I saw the camera and then I saw my, my wife and son behind it.
And I was like, you know, my wife had me all set up.
She said he was going to the orthodontist to have a mold made for braces, whichI now I found out that that's not even a thing.
SPEAKER5: They totally made that up. (12:20):
undefined
I thought she did
SPEAKER4: a good job. I fell for that. (12:22):
undefined
Um, but then.
Then I started seeing you and the administrators, and I was worried I was introuble, and.
SPEAKER5: I was like-- I don't usually (12:31):
undefined
SPEAKER1: film that. (12:32):
undefined
SPEAKER5: Yeah, that's good, good, good. (12:33):
undefined
But, uh, yeah.
SPEAKER4: I have to remember that. (12:37):
undefined
But, uh, you know, then it kind of all started clicking and then and then itreally kind of hit when, you know, Leigh Mills stepped out.
SPEAKER5: Yeah, yeah. (12:47):
undefined
SPEAKER4: Had the crystal apple. (12:48):
undefined
But um, that was that would be a highlight i don't think I'll ever forget fromteaching.
I mean, when it comes from the students, I mean, yeah, I've gotten a few otherawards, but I mean, when it comes from students, that's just so special.
SPEAKER1: Well, okay, you this really leads to this. (13:04):
undefined
So what does it mean to you to have received this honor to hear from yourstudents?
Students like Nina talk about the process and the importance of nominating you.
SPEAKER4: It's--it's very overwhelming. (13:18):
undefined
I mean, I can't even explain how much of an honor it is.
And and if I start going in too deep, I'll start choking up.
SPEAKER5: Um. (13:27):
undefined
SPEAKER4: It's a very emotional thing. (13:28):
undefined
Yeah. And, uh, so I've had a lot of awesome students that have made me lookgood over the years.
SPEAKER1: So a lot of talented people. (13:35):
undefined
SPEAKER5: Yeah. I mean. (13:37):
undefined
SPEAKER4: I spent a lot of time at school doing different things, and, and, uh, I, I think about all the people I (13:38):
undefined
know. But then, like, with this happening, like, I've realized how manypeople--I don't know, it's pretty amazing.
SPEAKER5: So. (13:55):
undefined
SPEAKER1: Well, just so--for the listener to imagine we're, we're in a workroom off of the classroom, and it's filled with posters of teams (13:55):
undefined
and artwork that students have created.
And it really is-- it just kind of pays tribute to the fact that you haveconnections with kids in multiple areas.
It's art, but it's also athletics.
(14:17):
You've made a lot of connections through that route, too.
SPEAKER5: Oh, there's-- (14:19):
undefined
SPEAKER4: There's been so many cool students, like, I mean, in the art world, having a student that, you know, worked in the film industry, you know, I had one student (14:20):
undefined
that, uh, Amber who, uh, ended up working for, I believe it was DNA animations.
And they were doing, um, I think they made ant bully the movie.
(14:42):
The animated movie. Wow.
And, uh, she would send me emails and go, "guess what I'm doing today?" And I'dbe like, "I don't know." And she's like, "I'm going to the airport to pick up
Tom Hanks."
SPEAKER5: I'm like, "that sounds kind of fun. (14:53):
undefined
Kind of fun."
SPEAKER4: You know, I have a very exciting job, but I, um, I don't know, quite that exciting. (14:58):
undefined
But, uh, you know, and I got a student that designed the video game of theyear.
SPEAKER5: Oh, wow. (15:08):
undefined
SPEAKER4: And, uh, one, one girl in animation, Jen Zernick is, uh, you know, did some work. (15:10):
undefined
Her first job out of college as a medical illustrator was working for NASA.
And so now she works for a company in Madison.
Um, and then when it comes to sports, I love all the--all the different people.
(15:31):
Oh, yeah. The different things that the.
SPEAKER1: Walls are covered. (15:32):
undefined
SPEAKER4: Yeah. I mean, uh, all of them have kind of fun stories, and I get fun stories about each of them, you know, and a lot of them I get to, uh, connect with and (15:33):
undefined
and stay in touch with.
I mean, if there's a good thing about social media, it's kind of one.
I don't know if I would have all those connections.
I mean, last night was special.
Um, that was cool.
(15:55):
Meeting up with, uh.
SPEAKER5: The art show was last night. (15:56):
undefined
Yeah.
SPEAKER4: And, uh, but yes, some of them, um, and I also have the luxury now of some of these kids that are on, on the wall I work with. (15:58):
undefined
SPEAKER1: Oh, that is pretty cool. (16:06):
undefined
Yeah.
SPEAKER4: So Matt Weber. (16:08):
undefined
Yes, I followed, you know, he went to the same school I did.
So I used to go watch him play football at Whitewater and.
Wow. And now he's here and, uh, Ryan Stace and.
Yeah. Rebekah Krenz.
SPEAKER5: Um, yes. (16:23):
undefined
SPEAKER4: I'm sure if I sat for a minute and looked at it, school's getting big. (16:24):
undefined
A lot different than when I first started.
I think
SPEAKER1: Chris Prahl was (16:30):
undefined
SPEAKER5: here too. Chris Prahl. (16:30):
undefined
SPEAKER4: Yeah he's he's on there. (16:31):
undefined
Mhm. Um mhm. Yeah.
All the Prahl boys.
Um I was
SPEAKER1: an associate principal for a lot of the people you're mentioning too. (16:36):
undefined
So I remember them fondly also.
SPEAKER4: Yeah I remember you as the associate principal. (16:42):
undefined
SPEAKER1: So when we shared this --your honor on district social media, it truly went viral. (16:44):
undefined
One of the farthest reaching posts we've ever had.
And so, um, that's pretty cool.
Um, and that's just the social media.
So I can imagine what it's been like for you to get calls and emails andin-person acknowledgments.
What's that been like?
SPEAKER4: Again, the best word to describe it has been overwhelming. (17:04):
undefined
Um, you know, I've gotten cards at home and, you know, from students that someof my I've been in touch with but like that are often
like far off places and-- really?
SPEAKER5: And they heard (17:21):
undefined
SPEAKER1: about this and sent you a card to your (17:22):
undefined
SPEAKER5: home? Yeah. Yeah, that's (17:24):
undefined
SPEAKER1: really (17:25):
undefined
SPEAKER5: cool. (17:25):
undefined
SPEAKER4: Even former staff members, I mean, it's been crazy. (17:26):
undefined
I don't know how else to explain it.
I was at the bank the other day.
I think I was telling her this, um, I was at the bank and I held the door forsomeone.
I was -- and they kind of looked up from their stuff that they got at the bank,and they go, "well, I should be holding the door for you.
(17:47):
You're a Crystal Apple winner."
SPEAKER5: Like, Aww! (17:48):
undefined
well, thanks. Okay.
That's really sweet.
SPEAKER4: Yeah. And I mean, yesterday I like to walk the track at lunch sometimes when I get a chance trying to stay somewhat healthy. (17:55):
undefined
But, uh, um, Steve Staton was out there doing an interview with, uh, FrankCaruso, and.
Oh, and, uh, you know, also, he stopped his interview and came over and gave mea hug and congratulated me from when he worked here and stuff.
(18:16):
Yeah, it's yeah, my brain is stuck in overwhelming.
It's it's it's.
SPEAKER5: I can understand (18:24):
undefined
SPEAKER1: why that might (18:24):
undefined
SPEAKER5: be the word. Yeah. (18:25):
undefined
SPEAKER4: I can't imagine any other thing that could get that would have been more of an honor or a pleasure. (18:26):
undefined
SPEAKER1: Thank you. (18:34):
undefined
Is there anything else you'd like to share with our listeners?
SPEAKER4: Uh, you know, I've considered myself honored to get to be here, you know, our theme in our house, because of all the things that have happened to us, (18:39):
undefined
has been "everything happens for a reason.
" And, uh, I always try to keep a positive attitude, try to make it a fun placefor the kids to be, a place where they can feel safe and be themselves and
(19:01):
kind of express their creativity and, and do that.
So, you know, so much of my life has been centered around school, you know, Imean, from my mom
finding the ad in the newspaper to come in here, you know, and the reason Icame was because my dad had passed away and I was hoping to be a little closer
to where I grew up and, uh, to even--I literally met my wife, um, because ofthe school.
SPEAKER1: Oh, that's--a that's a great way to end it. (19:29):
undefined
That's, that's a happy thing.
Thank you both.
Remember that you can find links to all episodes of Inside the OSD and submittopic ideas on our website at OregonSD.Org
/podcast.
You can find this podcast anywhere you can find podcasts.
(19:51):
Make sure to subscribe if you're listening on one of these apps to getnotifications on the most recent episodes.
We'll see you next time on Inside the OSD, where it's all about the kids.
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