Washington has a long, rich history and many residents have spent their entire lives here. Naturally, this means that a large number of teachers at Trinity High School also attended as students. 

An unofficial list of former students includes Mrs. Sagerer, Coach Mac, Mrs. Thornburg, Mr. Phillips, Ms. Willis,  Mrs. Helmkamp, Mr. Reihner, Mr. Killen, Mrs. Denman, Mrs. Sutherin, Mrs. Migyanko, Mr. Powell, Mr. Polansky, Mrs. Booher, Mrs. Mackinney, Mr. Mackinney, Mr. Husk, Mrs. Hartley, Mr. Daviduk, Mr. Uram, Dr. Snoke, Mrs. Lang and Mrs. Keener. 

Some former students may have been nervous to return as a teacher due to their relationships with their teachers. If a student was particularly disruptive in class, it could potentially impact their work relationships.

Phillips jokingly remarked, “All my old teachers hate me. And by all, I mean Mrs. Rush.” 

Ms. Shaw, who has taught many former students, does not believe that a previous negative relationship between a teacher and a student should have any sort of effect on the relationships of coworkers.

Shaw stated, “It’s always a pleasure to realize that a former student had such an interest in the subject area that he/she wanted to pursue a career as a teacher; it’s a unique experience to get to learn with them first as a student and then as a colleague.” 

Once they were able to overcome the nerves, many former students found that working for their alma mater actually positively impacted their relationships with former teachers and fellow staff. Experiencing first hand what a former teacher goes through on a daily basis creates a deep sense of respect that would not otherwise exist.

“I’m starting to appreciate them more. I understand what they go through and I look up to them more now,” says   Daviduk. 

Some teachers were inspired to pursue their careers by the teachers that they had for class, and working with them creates a bond and a respect between them. Those that taught the former students feel honored that they were able to impact their students’ lives in such a way. 

“Teaching has been a true passion of mine. I try to share my enthusiasm for reading and writing on a daily basis, and if a former student has been motivated to explore the teaching profession because of something that I shared in the classroom or because of support that I offered to help him/her reach success, it would be the highest compliment,” stated Shaw. 

The former students that teach at Trinity each have a different motivation for coming back to their own high school to work. The reasons range from convenience to a desire to give back to their own community. 

Powell, a former Trinity student, stated, “I think that’s anybody’s dream. When you had a lot of success in high school it’s nice to give back to the community that molded you.”

Trinity students returning to their alma mater as teachers helps to enrich the school district by allowing for change that may not have otherwise been possible.