Gerharz to Goers gets off to healthy start as legacy baton is passed

As the leaves begin to change colors and shorts are swapped out for sweats, a truly radical change has befallen Wildcat hallways this year. After 35 years, there’s a new teacher in town responsible for educating students on everything from diets to depression. While the era of Tony Gerharz may have come to a close, the legacy of new teacher Shannon Goers is about to begin. 

Goers feels like she is off to a great start.

“It’s going fabulous,” she said. “I’m enjoying high school, especially the students and the staff who have been super helpful and fun. I’m really looking forward to getting to know everybody.”

Although this year marks the beginning of her journey at 375 North Eagle, Goers isn’t new to the teaching field.

“This is my 23rd year teaching,” she said. “I taught at Neenah high for two years, Merrill for 14, and Tipler for six.”

Goers’ primary experience stems from working with younger students. As the year begins, she has noticed some differences between the high and middle school level. 

“Students feel more grown up and know they have a greater responsibility here,” she said. “In middle school, they were told what to do and when to do it. Here, they’re able to make their own choices and express themselves freely, which is something different that I really like to see.”

Gerharz approves of his successor. 

“She's a fun teacher, so I think she’ll do just fine,” he said. “Students will definitely like her.”

Freshman Meredith Stellplug appreciates the new instructor’s personality and approachability. 

“Mrs. Goers makes learning really fun,” she said. “It’s almost like being a friend with her rather than her being a teacher. It makes her classroom a whole lot more comfortable.”

Goers stays proactive with her plans to start off on a good note. 

“One of my goals is to try and learn all of my students’ names, attend some of their activities outside of the school day, and meet new staff members here at West,” she said. “Overall, I just want to have fun while I go through the process of learning how high school is run here.”

Her goals as a teacher have proven fruitful in the past few weeks. Students like Stellpuflg are excited to spend more time in her classroom. 

“She’s very relaxed in the classroom, so you feel very comfortable,” she said. “It’s a very welcoming atmosphere. I’m looking forward to getting to know her better because she’s really kind, funny, and I really enjoy being with her.” 

As a previous activity advisor at Tipler, Goers also looks forward to becoming more involved.

 “If the opportunity arises and it fits in my schedule, then that would be awesome and I would be happy to get more involved,” she said. “I love supporting my students outside of the classroom and seeing what their interests and hobbies are.”

Goers knows she has big shoes to fill in the wake of Gerharz’s retirement but is ready to step up to the challenge. 

“Gerharz did many great things for the school, so living up to his legacy in that way will be tough,” she said. “But I have faith that this will be a good place for me.”

By Decorah Vienola

Oshkosh West Index Volume 119 Issue I

October 3, 2022