Our school community is heartbroken by the tragic passing of a beloved retired teacher, long-time coach, and current volunteer coach, and his wife, both residents of our community. They both will leave a far-reaching impact on our school community.
As a 33-year educator and over 40-year coach, Tom exemplified what it means to serve students beyond the classroom. Anyone who knew Tom knows his dedication to his former students and his past/current student-athletes. He lived a disciplined life, always focusing on doing things the ‘right way’, and passed those values onto his students and athletes. Those valuable life lessons, including perseverance, mental toughness, personal accountability, and the importance of character, will always remain with those he taught and coached.
Equally impactful was the way he and his wife Lisa lived their lives within our community, always displaying kindness and humility. Their collective warmth, presence, and generosity will be remembered by neighbors, colleagues, students, and families alike.
On behalf of the entire school district, I extend our deepest condolences to their family, friends, former students, and all who are grieving this tremendous loss. We will honor their memory by carrying forward the values they modeled so faithfully: dedication, respect, compassion, and service to others.
Their legacy lives on in every student who learned to believe in themselves, in every life strengthened by their example, and in the community they helped shape.
With sympathy and gratitude,
John Horchak III
Superintendent