Murray, NEB- At the end of this year three teachers are closing a chapter here at Conestoga. Although they are moving on, we want them to know the impact they’ve had on the school and students.
One teacher Conestoga is saying good-bye to is Abigail Plihal. Plihal has been a teacher at Conestoga for two years and during her time she has taught Personal Finance, Life and Career Readiness, Accounting I & II, Business Law, Marketing, and 8th Grade Technology. Her future plans are teaching Business at Boys Town and being their new head Volleyball Coach. “My favorite thing about Conestoga would be getting to know all the students and staff!” Plihal exclaims.
Conestoga’s 4-12th grade Instrumental Music Director, Cassi Vallis is leaving the school after 7 years. Vallis started teaching right out of college and has only ever been at Conestoga. Over her time teaching she has taught 7-12 Marching Band, 7-12 Pep Band, JH Choir, HS Choir, HS Show Choir, JH Concert Band, HS Concert Band, JH Music Appreciation, HS Creation and Performance, HS Guitar, and Elementary Music. Vallis’s future plans are being an Administrative Assistant 3 at Creighton University. When asked what she will miss most about Conestoga she quotes, “I will miss my students more than anything. Watching them develop and grow into kind, talented, and inspired humans from age 10 to 18 has been so special.”
Lastly but certainly not least, Conestoga is saying good-bye to Timothy Larson after 25 years. Larson has been teaching mainly Junior High science but, in previous years he has also taught math and spanish class. He says he feels “bittersweet” leaving because “Conestoga has a nice student body, I enjoyed the kids but there has been a lot of change.” His retirement plans are filled with outdoor activities including golfing and fishing. Larson’s best memories here were when his youngest daughter gave her valedictorian speech at graduation, and watching his students mature and gain confidence for life over all these years.
Even though Conestoga is saying good-bye to these amazing teachers, we are wishing the best for them and their future plans.
