Silver Lake has been lucky to call Keith Crowe and Jolene Heuertz teachers over the years. Crowe and Heuertz will retire from teaching at the conclusion of the 2021-2022 school year. In their years at Silver Lake, they have taught, coached, mentored, and inspired many students.
Mr. Crowe has taught shop for the past 40 years at Bladen and then at Silver Lake. He has also coached football, basketball, and track at junior high and high school levels. He has touched the lives of so many young people. He says his favorite part of teaching has been all of the relationships with young teachers and students that he has taught or interacted with. When asked what his favorite memory over the years was, he says that after 40 years, there are too many to just name one. Mr. Crowe will stay busy in retirement. “I’m going to do a lot of mechanics work. I think I’m going to put a rear end in a recliner,” he said with a laugh. “Actually I’m going to remodel my house, and do many things I’ve put off for years. And spend a lot of time with my grandkids and going to their activities. Also hunting and fishing.” The Mustangs will miss all of Mr. Crowe’s contributions to the school, his jokes in the hallway, and the smiles he has put on everyone’s faces. “It’s been my honor and privilege to teach a coach here for 40 years. A lot of people have thanked me for what I have done, but I want to thank everyone who has come in contact with me because I have gotten a lot out of the relationships that I have made,” said Mr. Crowe
Mrs. Heuertz has taught for 40 years. She was the P.E. teacher at Holstein, 5th and 6th grade at Holstein, title at Blue Hill, P.E. at Blue Hill, 6th grade at Silver Lake, 4-6 math at Silver Lake, and 7-9 math at Silver Lake. She has also coached volleyball, quiz bowl, and math counts. She was the sponsor of the National Honor Society and the coordinator of school improvement. Her favorite part of teaching has been being a part of the kids and their world and shaping them. A memory she will never forget was the support she had from the Mustang community. “As I was diagnosed with cancer, the school, students, and staff supported me majorly as I had to leave school throughout the days. Also, at honors night this year, Mr Bauer’s words about my years here made my time here feel worthwhile.” Mrs. Heuertz says she is going to look at everyday as a Saturday in retirement. She plans to travel, spend time with her family, and relax. Silver Lake is thankful for Mrs. Heuertz’s guidance, kindness, and her card tricks.