Goodbye Mr. Sullivan

Brian+Sullivan+happily+making+food+for+link+leaders+and+crew

Courtesy of Yearbook

Brian Sullivan happily making food for link leaders and crew

From Silverdale to Mukilteo, from English and drama to full time drama, from CKHS to Kamiak HS; English and Drama teacher Bryan Sullivan is making a lot of changes this coming year. “This summer I’ll move across the water and probably find somewhere to live between Seattle and Mukilteo, maybe Lynnwood or Northgate. Apart from moving I’ll probably try to find some time to breathe, go on hikes, visit family, etcetera. I’ll then start preparing to teach at Kamiak in August. More long term… I don’t know. I’ll shape the theatre department at Kamiak into the positive community I want it to be. I’ll produce plays, maybe do some performing in Seattle myself, and see what happens from there,” Sullivan shared.

Sullivan’s reasons for leaving have little to do with his teaching career and more to do with a wish for balance between friends and work. “Before coming to CK, I lived in Seattle, worked in theatre and education, and many of my friends still live there. Since moving here, my professional life has been amazing. I love CK, the students, teachers, staff and the school. That being said, my personal life hasn’t really grown in the same way. Most weekends are spent on the ferry to see some of the people who are closest to me. As I get older, I think about where I want my life to take root and I think that place needs to be closer to Seattle,” Sullivan explained.

Sullivan said, “I want students to know that they are the reason deciding to leave was so incredibly hard. It was a very painful and heartbreaking decision to make. I’ve worked with some of the most passionate, capable, kind, and all around awesome young people I’ve ever met. My students have made a lasting impact on me that I will never forget.” He continued, “I would also urge students to stay in touch. Come talk with me about how you can get in contact with me. I want to see the amazing things you’ll go on to do.”

Sullivan will be missed by many. “I’ll miss his enthusiasm and dedication to helping every student succeed,” Sophomore Taylor Deerwester shared, “He teaches, but he also lets the students teach him and each other. He’s very knowledgeable about the subjects, and he realizes there are multiple perspectives on any topic.” She continued on to say, “A lot of students in the theatre community regard him as the person who opened their eyes to new ideas and perspectives, and I think that’s important as a teacher and as a person.”

Not only will CKHS miss Sullivan, but Sullivan will miss CKHS. “I’ll miss the staff and my English department friends, but what hurts the most to say goodbye to, are the students and the clubs that I’ve worked with. The Drama Club has grown into an amazing group of talented students who, on top of putting on incredible plays, continue to grow and create a welcoming environment for any student who wants to try being on stage or off. Not to mention they are the coolest kids in the school (just my opinion).”

“Then there is Link Crew,” Sullivan continued. “My Co-coordinator Mrs. Miller is legit, and Link Leaders are some of the most giving and driven students from across the school. They volunteer their time and their energy to try and make a difference in the lives of new students, and their impact is felt school wide. I know that the CK community has had an incredibly positive impact on my life, and I hope that I’ve done the same for CK.”