14 new teachers have big shoes to fill following retirement of past teachers

By: Grace VanDeSteeg & McKenzey Crowley

Not including para- professionals, 14 teachers with all types of academic backgrounds were welcomed to the Central High School staff this fall. 10 different departments now have fresh faces in their wing. We were able to catch up with 3 of them to get to know them more.

Kayla McCaskell – A Central High School graduate of 2013 is “excited to be back in Central”. Infamously known for rapping her graduation speech, McCaskell is back in the building teaching freshman science. “It’s exciting to be back,” McCaskell says as she juggles 30 freshmen doing a lab. McCaskell was a teacher aid last year in the downstairs science wing after graduating from Black Hills State. (Here’s a link to her infamous graduation speech) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HUQY70yERa8

Fehrin Ward – A Belle Fourche high school graduate has jumped ship to become a Cobbler staff member. Ward is a fresh face in the science wing, teaching chemistry. “The staff is tight; I also love the perks of being in a big school.” The Black Hills State graduate says she appreciates all the access she has to create bigger and better labs.

Heath Harding – Harding may be a fresh face to Central but not to teaching. Harding has been teaching for around 10 years. This school year is his first time in a traditional classroom. The social studies teacher believes “everyone is very helpful, making the school feel like home.” Graduating from USD, SDSU, and BHSU, Harding is well equipped for his first year at Central.

With all the new staff, Central students and staff have some “get to knowing” to do. 14 new faces replace the iconic old ones. From Mr. Purcell to Ms. Kasen, the staff has some big shoes to fill