By Ava Sorensen and Sage Dasher
This year, Silver Lake is welcoming three new staff members. At the high school, Terri Rech is joining the math department. She is also assistant coaching this year’s junior high volleyball team. Mrs. Rech is starting her 37th year of teaching. Previously, she taught math and science. She has been in many school districts in Nebraska including Barr Middle School, Grand Island Senior High School, Kearney High, Overton, and Spalding Public Schools, where she attended school and spent her first 15 years teaching, including teaching superintendent Mr. Bauer. Rech attended the University of Nebraska at Lincoln for her bachelor’s degree and earned her master’s degrees from UNL and the University of Nebraska at Kearney. Rech commented, “I have been teaching at larger schools in Grand Island and Kearney and wanted to get back to a smaller school where I could get to know the students better. I am excited to watch the student’s faces as they learn new material and grow more confident in themselves. I also will enjoy visiting my children living nearby.” She has three children and five grandchildren. Her dream location is Hawaii. She says, “I appreciate all of the kindness and helpfulness shown to me by the students and staff at Silver Lake.”
At the elementary, Kylie Stoner is beginning her teaching career in the preschool. She has been a local substitute teacher while attending the University of Nebraska at Kearney for the past three and a half years. Stoner’s Alma Mater is Blue Hill Community Schools. She received her associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Central Community College in Hastings. Then, she went on to earn her Bachelor’s degree in Early Inclusive Education from UNK. Stoner comments, “I have always heard great things about Silver Lake schools. I am very excited to meet all the students and families! I am looking forward to creating new friendships and making memories with everyone.” Her parents are employed through Webster County and her brother, Jared, attends Blue Hill. She says she enjoys watching Netflix, reading books, and going on walks. She says she would prefer the ocean over the mountains. “I’m very excited to be teaching at Silver Lake and to be a part of the Mustang family!”
Lastly, Chris Watt is joining the Mustang crew assuming the Title position at the elementary. He will be helping coach the high school football team and junior high football, girls basketball, and boys basketball. He has been in education for 26 years. His previous teaching experience includes the following districts: Hemingford, Alliance, Southwest, Holdrege, and Dundy Country Stratton. He has served as a social studies teacher, guidance counselor, and Title 1 teacher. Watt graduated from Stratton, Nebraska, and then went on to earn his bachelor’s degree in education with a social studies field endorsement at the University of Nebraska at Kearney. Following his undergraduate education, Watt earned a Master’s degree in Education of Secondary School Guidance Counseling from Chadron State College. He was recently married to his wife who teaches at Hastings, but he preferred the smaller school. He comments, “Silver Lake was highly recommended by educators that I respect. I hope the students, staff, and community will understand that I wanted to come to Silver Lake because of the stability provided by Mr. Bauer, Mr. Jones, and Mr. Drake. I mean that with absolute sincerity.” Watt has an 11-month-old son, Karson Dean (KD) Watt, who he says is the “absolute apple of my eye.” In his free time, Watt likes to lift weights, collect coins, and watch football and baseball on TV. He is looking forward to his honeymoon in Niagra Falls next year. Watt says, “I want the Silver Lake Community to know what a privilege it is to have the opportunity to work here. I have worked at bigger school districts and have the experience to know that I believe in what these smaller schools do for our students. I again want to reiterate the importance of the stability that Mr. Bauer, Mr. Jones, and Mr. Drake provide. This makes a position at Silver Lake appealing compared to other school districts in the area!”
We are thrilled to have these three new teachers in our district!