After a decade of unwavering dedication, Mr Wiskur, our principal, is retiring from his role as the heart and soul of Kearsley High School. For 10 years, Mr Wiskur has been more than just a leader, he has been a mentor, a motivator, and a guiding light for students, teachers, and staff. From morning greetings at the doors to his attendance at late-night school events, his commitment to making our school a better place has never gone unnoticed. As we prepare to say goodbye, we also reflect on the countless ways he has shaped our school and the lives of everyone who has walked through the doors. 

In the front office, the absence of Mr Wiskur will be felt deeply. Mrs Hill, our office secretary, has worked alongside Mr Wiskur for almost 3 years, but she has known him for over twenty. 

“He has been one of the most encouraging, supportive bosses I have ever had,” she explained. “He makes it so easy to come into work every day.” 

Mrs. Ayre has worked with Mr Wiskur for 10 years, experiencing countless behind-the-scenes memories with him. 

“He has made working here fun, exciting, and memorable because of his sense of humor, quick wit, and just being an all-around great leader,” Mrs Ayre shared. 

Walking into the high school next year will feel different for students, knowing that Mr. Wiskur won’t be there to greet them with his warm smile and welcoming humor. Chris Owens, a junior, is just one of many students who will have to adapt to the loss of Mr. Wiskur’s leadership.

“I will miss a lot about Mr. Wiskur, but specifically, I will miss how he talks to me,” he expressed. “Every time I see him, he says ‘what’s up, Mr. Fiero!’ because I used to drive one. He knew that both my brother and I used to drive Fieros, so he would call us the ‘Fiero Bros.’ I will miss how he made connections with us students and actually got to know us.” 

The way that Mr. Wiskur makes connections with his students is unmatched. He strives to be a leader and a mentor, rather than just a principal who spends his days locked in his office. He creates an environment where students feel safe, joking around with him, but also coming to him about their personal problems. This is a quality that most other principals can not compare to. 

“I’ve tried to be rigid enough to run a school that’s safe for both staff and students, but also personal enough that students can come to me when they have a serious problem, and it will be taken care of.” Mr. Wiskur shared. “I try to be a real person and get to know my students.”

Not only does he build connections, but he keeps up with them even after graduation. Seeing past students in stores or at restaurants, Mr. Wiskur always says hello and reminisces about past stories. He hopes to keep these connections for life. Logan Saiko, a senior, has a deep connection with Mr. Wiskur after all that he has done for him. 

“When I was struggling with my senior math class, Mr. Wiskur helped me,” Logan explained. “He knew exactly what kind of help I needed, and I will never forget that he did that for me. He has taught me so many things, but the one thing that will always stick with me is when he told me, ‘Don’t let the past get in the way of the future. ’ I can thank Mr Wiskur for showing me that I can make it through college.”

As we prepare to say goodbye, we also choose to reflect on the great experiences we have had with Mr. Wiskur. He has made his years here nothing but memorable.

“The most emotional highlight of my year is always graduation or commencement,” Mr Wiskur expressed. “Saying goodbye to a senior class who has been with us for four years and watching them grow from stinky freshmen to adults is truly rewarding.  I almost shed a tear at commencements, but it’s really just sweat dripping off of my forehead because the Whiting is so hot.”

As a student here at KHS, I also want to personally thank Mr Wiskur for all that he has done not only for me, but for all of my classmates. He is an exceptional principal, and I will always look up to him and remember his leadership. His words will always stick with me. His years here were full of success and growth, and I can say confidently that Mr Wiskur has made our school a better place.