Mark Ward, PE teacher and coach, has decided to leave after 18 years of service to the school and 26 years to the district. “I’m moving away simply because I want change, I get bored of the same surroundings and routines everyday.” He made the decision to change schools after receiving an offer to teach in another district with better facilities.

“An opportunity came up to teach in the sunshine in a smaller school district where I wouldn’t have to share a stadium with two other schools and I could continue to teach PE,” he explained. He will continue to coach Cross Country at a school by the name of Bridgeport.

After 18 years at CK, Ward has some sage advice for students at this school: “Get involved in more than just one thing, because when you leave, choices become limited. So enjoy it while you can.” He also says that he will miss his peers, his community, and the students he has coached, but is proud of all of the relationships he’s built with students over the years, as he still gets emails from former students.

Ward spoke of his fondest memories during the time he spent here. “My fondest memory, you know the obvious, the state champions we’ve coached, the champions that qualified for state, or a sense of accomplishment someone gets from being in my class like beating a max, and also my 3rd lunch group.”

Ward plans to be done with teaching altogether when his son graduates in 13 years.