Bloom Trail Express

All Good Things Come to an End

Tuesday, May 17, 2011 By Laeh Ragans

All good things must come to an end. This is a saying that most know. This simple saying however, describes the current predicament that two of Bloom Trail’s teachers are undergoing. This year, Kathy Hocker, Ruben Trevino, and Tony Pietrzak will be retiring and leaving Bloom Trail. Hocker is a science teacher who teaches physics and chemistry. According to Hocker, she has taught for a total of 37 years, 21 of which were here at Bloom Trail. Though she taught at the college level, she will no longer do so after her retirement. Hocker feels that the work she has done with some of her students getting to college is one of her greatest accomplishments. Though Hocker is leaving the school, she has things she wishes to leave with the school as well. “What I really hope is that people realize that science is for everyone and not just the “smart kids,” said Hocker. Hocker also wishes to leave a thought with the students that she has taught over the years. “I want them to have a sense that they can do whatever they set their minds to, or that anything is possible if you try hard enough or just do it,” said Hocker. Trevino has been teaching for 35 years, 10 of which he has spent at Bloom Trail. According to Trevino, he is not sure what he will do after he retires. He has a daughter in California that he might visit. He also may teach at a college level as a part time job. Trevino thinks that his greatest accomplishment would be having taught AP Calculus and having had several students do well on the AP test. While Trevino is leaving his career as a high school teacher behind, he has advice for teachers who are just starting out. “Just work hard and do your best,” said Trevino. Pietrzak has been teaching at Bloom Trail for 19 of his 47 years teaching. He plans to spend his time golfing, fishing, and spending time with his grandchildren after his retirement. Pietrzak has taught gym and coached, his coaching is something that he considers to be a great achievement for him, as well as working to establish a great physical education program here at trail. “I cared for the kids,” said Pietrzak when speaking of what he wants to be remembered for. Pietrzak also has advice for new teachers, “Hang in there, be patient, and give the kids a chance.” All three of these teachers were well respected by their students. “I like Mr. Trevino. He is a very nice teacher who is passionate about what he does. He made learning algebra easy, and I will miss Mr. Trevino,” said senior Brittany Lyons. “I thoroughly enjoyed my time spent in Mrs. Hocker’s class. Bloom Trail won’t be the same without her,” said senior DeShayla Williams. This year, Bloom Trail will be losing two of its best teachers. While this is an unfortunate occurrence, it is a process that happens every year. Just as these teachers are leaving, new teachers will be brought in to fill their positions. Students and staff will miss these teachers, and hope that their successors will be able to fill the immense shoes that these teachers are leaving behind.