There are multiple new teachers in the high school. Many of the old teachers either retired or found jobs they wanted somewhere else. Mrs. Smith is one of the teachers that found a different job. After Mr. Whitehouse retired, She was the one who took his place. The FFA had many fun years with her, but now it is time to turn the page in our chapter. The teacher who replaced her is Mr. Plank, and he is very thrilled to be able to work here.

The FFA is delighted Mr. Plank has come from Delphi to work at Lewis Cass. Mr. Plank is a  Lewis Cass alumni, and he said, “As a junior in high school, Mr. Appleton asked me what I thought about being a teacher and a football coach, but I didn’t want to do math and English. Mr. Appleton said what about an Ag teacher, and I lived on a farm, was in 4-h and FFA, and had Mike’s classes but never thought about being an Ag teacher.” (Plank 2023, Aug 15) After that conversation with Mr. Appleton, being a teacher is all Mr. Plank wanted to do. His first teaching position was at Delphi High School. He was also a part of their FFA, but he wanted to come back to teach at Lewis Cass. Last Fall, he made a call to Mr. Appleton wondering when he would retire. “I wanted his job, but Mr. Appleton said he would be there five years or more. I went back to football at Delphi and informed them that they have me for five or more years.” (Plank 2023, Aug 15)

Last Spring, Mrs. Smith called Mr. Plank to inform him that she was leaving. He jumped at this opportunity because he always wanted to come back to Lewis Cass to teach. “This is my dream job as a teacher and coach. Being back at my old school has been something I always wanted to do.” (Plank 2023, Aug 15) Mr. Plank said he likes our FFA because there are a lot of members, but there is always room for more. He wants to continue the legacy Mr. Appleton has built in our FFA, and he also wants to make it better by “finding ways to enhance activities so they are more fun to all.” (Plank 2023, Aug 15) 

Mr Plank said he has really enjoyed his first few days here. He loves that everything is closer. “My house is closer. My officer and truck are closer.” (Plank 2023, Aug 15) He really enjoys teaching his classes, and believes he is bringing a burst of energy and enthusiasm to the Ag department. The FFA is very lucky Mr. Plank has come to teach here, and we hope he will be here for many years to come!