“I will guide you.” Not only serving as teachers, but as mentors and friends, Robert Patterson, Steven Hiskey, Harmon Glantz, Laurry Bishop, and Charlene Brotman, teachers, have reached the stage of retirement.

For countless years students have seen these teachers do their job with an inspiring passion. However, these teachers did not merely wake up one morning and dream of becoming a teacher. Instead, each embarked on a rewarding journey that culminated in an accomplishment, which ultimately offered students encouragement, friendship, and the precious gift of knowledge.

Reminiscing their years of teaching, all the teachers reach the consensus of the essence of students. As they benevolently leave our school, each one of them will carry the student’s undying presence with them.

Robert Patterson, Spanish teacher, has taught for 40 years, enlivening the classroom environment with power points and videos as well as his enthusiastic charisma, evoking the students’ energy and enthusiasm.

However, when growing up, Patterson did not consider teaching, but rather engineering. Nevertheless, his ultimate career was inevitable as he counseled kids during his high school summers. With an avid interest in sports, Patterson played college basketball, minored in physical education, and Spanish.

Patterson said, “Through this, I reached the logical conclusion of being a [Spanish] teacher and a coach.”

Although not completely sure what to do after he retires, Patterson wants to do something positively constructive with his time. He desires to travel to England and Ireland as well as volunteer in the community. Patterson describes his future aspirations to be a “new adventure.”

“I feel blessed and thankful for the good experience,” said Patterson.

Patterson’s memories will be etched in his room in the corner of the language building, as he will be remembered in the minds of his students.

Natty Lee, sophomore, said, “Patterson is the king of the goofballs. I will miss him”

At the opposite corner a similar story can be told.

Laurry Bishop, photography teacher, began teaching in 1976. Bishop took a life-changing decision to complete a Master degree in agriculture and eventually attained two master’s degrees and a doctorate.

Despite his exceptional credentials and joyful nature, jobs were hard to attain at the time. Fortunately, Bishop found Brea teaching opportunity in 1977, also benefiting our school.

Regarding what he will miss about teaching, Bishop’s initial and sole response was “students.”

Ruth Kim, sophomore, said “It is a shame that he is leaving because [Bishop’s] different approach to teaching is a creative an effective one.”

Speechless to say anymore, Bishop continued to share his plans to continue to pursue photography, making it more personal than professional.

Likewise, with infinitely many memories, Charlene Brotman, English teacher, first thinks of her moments with her students.

Brotman has proudly been a teacher at Brea Olinda for 26 years.

“I have had the pleasure of seeing my students attend some of the finest universities in the country,” said Brotman. “My students have given me pleasure, joy, and pride. Their range of careers extends from university scholars to everyday working men and women.”

Brotman can recall the students and feel blessed to have influenced them to become great people.

For physical education teacher and coach, Steven Hiskey, the challenge of teaching was also prominent.

“Everyday is different, every class is different, [and] there is always a way to challenge [oneself],” said Hiskey.

Kelly Wong, sophomore, said, “Hiskey was more of a friend than a golf coach. He wanted to get to know the players and inspired us to have fun and not just win.”

“I will miss the everyday exchanges with students,” said Hiskey.

Harmon Glantz, science teacher who has been enlightening students for 34 years, said, “I will miss the relationships that I try and establish with my students.

At high school, there is much more to teaching than the curriculum, [one has to become] an adult role model and someone students can talk to or confide in at school.”

Breanna Sands, senior, said, “Glantz is a cool, and down to earth teacher, which makes talking to him really easy.”

Students are inspired by these teachers as they listen to the wise advice that these teachers have provided them with for many years.

“[After retiring], I plan on seeing life outside of high school, landscaping, traveling, and playing golf,” said Glantz.

Although all of these teachers have different pasts, different goals, and different stories, they face a common ground as they all admit to the memories they have had with their students. Whether it was going to Mexico, or watching them learn how to express themselves through photography, or observing them as they improved at writing, or even helping them out with sports, these teachers have been with the students as they grow.

After teaching with dedication and hard work for many years, we appreciate all that they have put into this school.

It is safe to say that these teachers have positively contributed to the school’s legacy. Their generous actions are almost irrevocable. It is now our duty to keep their joy, hard work, and memories close to our hearts forever.