After many classes and hundreds of hours at the high school, Mr. Christopher Coennen closes this chapter of his career. Feb. 28 was his last day working in the teaching field. He announced his resignation two weeks prior to prepare students and staff for his departure.
Over the past 12 years, Coennen has taught physical education, health and weightlifting. He has been involved with the football program, helping when they need it. He also helped coach baseball when he first started working.
Over the years, weightlifting has gained popularity for students of all different backgrounds in sports and fitness. Coennen worked to make weightlifting possible for every student that was interested in learning.
“[My biggest accomplishment is] building the weight training and leadership class, that didn’t exist when I came here. It started as one class and has grown to five classes a year,” Coennen said.
Throughout his time at the high school, he enjoyed working with students and building their confidence with weight training. He also enjoyed getting to know students with different backgrounds. He was able to connect with students who needed someone to listen to them. He cared about making a difference in students’ lives.
“Coennen impacted my life by teaching me skills about sports and different things you can do to better yourself as a person in general,” Nicholas McKenzie (10) said.
As Coennen steps back from the district, he pivots his career to take on a job at First Robotics. This company is aimed at getting students involved in robotics competitions. The goal of these competitions is to compete with other teams and score points with their robot. He will be working as a business manager, promoting their program.
He is taking this new position to be more involved with his family. With his new schedule, he has flexibility that he was unable to have while teaching. He will get the opportunity to travel to new places while promoting the company.
While leaving the district is a bittersweet experience, he leaves with excitement for his new opportunity, hoping that he has made an impact on his students. His time in the district has shaped him into who he is today. In his 12 years teaching here, he has created bonds and memories with those around him that will last him a lifetime.
“Freedom helped shape who I am today, every single part of your past shapes who you are right now and shapes your future,” Coennen said.