Many teachers love their job at Creek, but their journey in education eventually comes to an end. This year, eight teachers are saying goodbye to the school.

With countless years of experience, these educators wish to leave a lasting impact, teaching and personally with each student.

Dara Goeglein – Math

Years At Creek: 21 – Years Teaching: 30

Classes: All general math classes

In Their Words: “[Creek has] not only been a place where I was a student, I was also a parent and a teacher,” Goeglein said.

Student Thoughts: “She creates a safe environment to ask questions,” freshman Audrey Baumgartner said. “She was able to joke with us and be friendly.”

Plans After: “I think trying something new, whether it is, you know, teaching, just in a different environment,” Goeglein said.

Matt Buddington – Social Studies

Years At Creek: 23 – Years Teaching: 30

Classes: All Social Studies

In Their Words: “[A student] thought I was a great teacher and really appreciated the efforts that I put in with the class,” Buddington said. “So that was a real good way, especially right at the end of my career, to hear a message like that.”

Student Thoughts: “He was really passionate about the subject and it whelped me to my goal of getting good grades,” junior Abby Neufeld said.

Plans After: “[I’m] excited about being able to travel while I’m still
relatively young, when I can be active and hike,” Buddington said.

Michelle Barber – Math

Years At Creek: 29.5 – Years Teaching: 29.5

Classes: Algebra 1 to AP Calculus

In Their Words: “[The students] really thought that I inspired them to do the math, changed their entire life, who they married, where they went to the university,” Barber said.

Student Thoughts: “She’s a really nice teacher, is really reasonable with grades and is just a good teacher” junior Erkhtaivan Tsogtbaatar said.

Plans After: “[I’m] gonna relax, gonna go somewhere,” Barber said. “But I’ll be subbing here because I like to stay in touch with students and teaching, that’s the passion.”

Erica Padzik – Marketing

Years At Creek: 11 – Years Teaching: 13

Classes: Marketing, DECA

In Their Words: “One of the biggest things I’ve learned as a teacher is that everybody has something to offer, and you just have to be willing to see the positive,” Padzik said.

Co-Worker Thoughts: “We’ll miss her a lot, and we’re lucky to have had those three years,” marketing teacher Mallory Cleveland said.

Plans After: “I recently finished my license to be an administrator,” Padzik said. “I’ve been interested in looking to see how I help kids in other ways outside of the classroom too.”

Mike Kraft – Social Studies

Years At Creek: 24 – Years Teaching: 34

Classes: CP US History, AP US History, and AP Microeconomics

In Their Words: “The activities we do in class, and watching students react to those experiences, and seeing them learn about things through things that they are doing,” Kraft said.

Co-Worker Thoughts: “Mike Kraft is someone who, year in and year out, just pushes himself to be the best teacher he can be,” government teacher Thomas Michel said.

Plans After: “In September, going back to Kenya. Other than that, I don’t have anything planned,” Kraft said.

Cory Lefebre – Math

Years At Creek: 6 – Years Teaching: 29

Classes: Algebra to Calculus

In Their Words: “I’ve made lifelong friends at every stop. So that’s what you remember, the people. I’m sure, as I reflect this summer, I’ll look back on the good times,” Lefebre said.

Student Thoughts: “He’s able to have a decent conversation with everyone in the classroom,” sophomore Matthew Neptune said.

Plans After: “I [will] probably travel and take it easy,” Lefebre said.

Vernal Pope – English

Years At Creek: 20 – Years Teaching: 31

Classes: AP Lang, Creative Writing, Writing on Film. CP English 11, and African American Lit

In Their Words: “They were doing something with writing, because of the passion that I instilled in them,” Pope said.

Student Thoughts: “She’s so willing to hear you out and give you her insight, It doesn’t feel like she is judging you,” senior Venus Tallie said.

Plans After: “I have enjoyed my time here, and I just hope that I have made a difference,” Pope said.

Steve Huntingdale – Social Studies

Years At Creek: 5 – Years Teaching: 29

Classes: CP US History, World, Economics, and Government

In Their Words: “I’ve fulfilled my own mission as a teacher,” Huntingdale said. “And I’ve had a really great career, I think that students need someone with a lot more energy.”

Co-Worker Thoughts: “He’s really lighthearted, really funny, and he keeps us on our feet and laughing,” history department head Cari Erickson said.

Plans After: “I’ll coach club volleyball,” Huntingdale said.