Three long-time teachers retire from Pacelli

By Brandi Makuski

Stevens Point — Three longtime educators from Pacelli Catholic High School are retiring.

Principal Larry Theiss announced the retirements during Pacelli’s May 25 graduation ceremony.

Stepping down were Lorie Liss, a religion teacher, Michael Schmoll, who taught history, and Guy Gehrman, who taught English and psychology at Pacelli.

Theiss said together, the trio collectively has 110 years of experience in the teaching profession.

One of those educators spoke during Saturday’s ceremony. Arguably the most energetic, Guy Gehrman addressed the graduating class of 2024, and their parents, family, and alumni.

His remarks follow:

What a long, strange trip it’s been. Now, for those of you who have already read the yearbook, I want to apologize because a couple of stories that showed up on my page are going to be told again. It seems like just yesterday, I was preparing for my first ever in-service. And I’ve been hired in April or May so I knew ahead of time for over the summer. I did a good job of getting a hold of a textbook, of getting a hold of the teacher’s guides, planning out what I wanted to do at least the first couple of months, doing lesson plans, and getting everything ready. This was back in 1979. And I actually planned on working in my classroom, and I figured that no one else was be there. So I had on my 1979 fashion with short shorts. My hair was down on my shoulders. I had the sideburns down here, mustache. So I walked into the back of the room, and I go to my mailbox, and I’m looking through my stuff, and all of a sudden, I hear ‘Well, Mr. Gehrman…’ I didn’t know the special faculty in-service for new teachers that was scheduled that day, and there were nine of us. So I turned around, and there I saw all the other new teachers dressed wonderfully, and — for those of you know her — Sister Sue Bundy was one of them. All dressed, looking up at me.

Another one of the questions that was asked for me for the yearbook is what I’d like to be remembered for. I would like to be remembered for challenging classes. I would like to be remembered for being fair in grading and my treatment of students. I wanted to be remembered for modeling faith in God. I wanted to be remembered for understanding the needs of students. But I also want to be remembered for — say it with me — bonus questions.

I guess it’s not a bad legacy.

But here comes the serious part of the speech. I have three things I’d like to leave you with as well. First of all, as I said several times, I’m here today to make God a regular part of your life. You know how to do that. Just remember, God is there. Second, service to others. God works in the world through us. He gives our lives meaning. Look at the people who have gotten you to where you are today. And finally, especially difficult in this world, respect everyone. Doctors, lawyers, custodians, factory workers, hair stylists, CEOs, and plumbers, all have equal value in God’s eyes. Even the homeless and the infirm demand respect.

Thank you for allowing me to serve you, especially parents who entrusted me with their children.

Gehrman’s speech was answered with a standing ovation lasting nearly two minutes.