Demon Dispatch
Coach Holtorf to leave teaching career to start one in fire fightingWednesday, January 23, 2008 By Chantae Bernal
When students return from winter break, there will be one teacher less at school because Ryan Holtorf, Systos, Advanced and 1-2 Physical Education teacher, will be leaving public education to become a fire fighter. “It is something I started to pursue about a year ago,” he said. After going through a lengthy application process, Holtorf said, last week he received a call confirming his new occupation as Phoenix firefighter. Being at Greenway has impacted his life, he said. He has met many “amazing people” and will remember all the students and parents he has built relationships with, Holtorf said. “It’s a sad day,” Principal Mike Dellisanti said. “He has touched the lives of many, many students. He will be sorely missed.” The available position has been posted in the district and publicly, Dellisanti said. Once candidates are chosen a panel including Dellisanti will conduct interviews and choose the “very best person” for the job. He said if the new position is not filled after break, they will continue with the search and, “worst case scenario,” will contract a substitute. “We are not going to choose someone just because classes are starting,” Dellisanti said. Holtorf also attended Greenway as a student and has been the head baseball coach for six years. He helped with basketball and football. “Seeing the progress of my students coming [to high school] as kids and leaving as men is great,” he said. “This place has been good to me. I am going to miss it.” |