by Ashli Riden

This school year we’ve added a few new faculty members to our high school. Mr. Steven Brabo, who attended Missouri State University, is the new ninth grade world history teacher and assistant football coach. When asked if he is enjoying his new positions in Willow Springs, he said things are going really well and he’s happy to be part of our school system.

Mr. Jerry Wickens, who attended Drury University, was asked if he had always wanted to be a teacher, and replied no. He had worked several different jobs before deciding to go back to school to be a teacher.

When the new choir teacher Mrs. Shirleen Pilcher was interviewed about her new position at our school, she said that she is from Columbia, Mo. but has lived in Willow Springs for the last 21 years. Mrs. Pilcher said that if she could change anything about our school system,  she would love for all the teachers here at Willow Springs to get to know each other better.

The new ISS teacher, Mr. Gabe Fris, who attended both Missouri State University and William Woods University, was asked if Willow Springs is any different than from where he moved. He said, “No, I came from Mountain Grove so things are quite similar.”

Our new high school secretary Mrs. Tina Carter told The Educator that she is loving her new job here because every day is different. Miss Tina grew up in Cabool but has lived in Willow Springs for the last 16 years.

Mr. Curtis Good is the new assistant band teacher. He began attending  SBU in Mountain View after completing his first two years of college at Drury University. He says he wants to teach so that he can pass his love of music to the younger generation.

Also, new this year is Mrs. Elizabeth Walls. She graduated from MSU and is teaching Family and Consumer Sciences. She says this is her first year of teaching and she loves it.

Our school is very fortunate for gaining these new faculty members, and we are looking forward to a great school year!