Dr. Ted Robbins by Anna Esposito and McKenna Redican

Dr. Robbins began his career at West when the building opened 17 years ago. However, he actually started working for West before it even opened. While working at Lincoln-Way Central, he was named the athletic director at West a whole two years before it opened. “I started working on coaches, teachers, schedules, and uniforms; all the cool stuff. So, really, I would say 19 years working for West and 26 years in the district.”
As for his favorite memory, Robbins says, “There are just so many good ones. I think that the first opening day of school was just amazing. The culmination of so much hard work of so many people, the building, the facilities, and the hiring of people to just finally get it to start. So just that first day of the culmination of 2 1/2 years of really hard work to see it come to fruition. For each year, I would say that it is just the excitement of getting the school year going again; the first day back, pep rallies, t-shirts, and homecoming. I love every year of it. It’s hard to pick just one because there are so many things that happened over these 17 years.”
When asked what his plans were after Lincoln-Way, he responded, “Well, you know, for sure I’ll have to travel. Being stuck in a school schedule for 35 total years in education, I’ve only been able to travel on breaks. So, it will just be that freedom to travel and go away and see my kids out of state whenever we want and not have to rush back. My family has been very forgiving with my schedule, so they deserve my full attention to go places and see them. The last time I wasn’t involved in a school during the fall season was 1978. It’s definitely hard, so we’re making some trips just to get away. Just a new part of life.” 

Mr. Randy Schumacher By Karina Patras

Mr. Schumacher has been working at Lincoln-Way West since the school first opened. He is a German teacher and has been in the district for 22 years! When asked what his favorite memory of working at West was, Mr. Schumacher answered, “I remember the anticipation and excitement of the very first school day at West like it was yesterday. I also have fond memories of all 13 Homecoming Olympics I participated in”. He explained that West is the best because there is a “subtle pride exhibited by staff and students that is inviting and respectful.” He shared that working at West has been so much fun over the years and explained what it was like to be with the school since the beginning. Mr. Schumacher explained that there was unbridled enthusiasm and optimism with the students in the very first year.  

“We were creating our own identity in real time, and we realized what a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity it was,” Mr. Schumacher shared about what it was like to be one of the first teachers at West. 

Mr. Schumacher knows that Lincoln-Way West is in good hands and he compliments the talented and dedicated teachers who work at the school. “I will miss seeing all the wonderful people I’ve worked with for so many years. It will be hard to say good-bye,” he shared with the West Gazette.  

West will miss having such an amazing teacher at our school. We wish Mr. Schumacher the best of luck in retirement! 

Mr. Dave Ernst by Karina Patras

Another teacher that is retiring from Lincoln-Way West this year is Mr. Ernst. He has also been working at West since it first opened, but he has been in the district for 26 years! He shared that his favorite memory of working at West was the players he coached as well as the students he had in class. From the first years at West, he recalls how small the classes were with one of them only having five students.  

Mr. Ernst is not only a dedicated teacher, but also a dedicated football coach. He explained, “I coach football, it’s a passion and I will do it as long as I am on the Earth.”  He said that nearly every day was fun when it came to both coaching and teaching.  

When asked what he will miss the most about West, Mr. Ernst responded, “Everything, but mainly the interaction with students. You guys kept me young.” He wishes all his students the best of luck in the future and thanks them for a great year. 

West is so thankful to have had Mr. Ernst at our school. We wish him the best of luck in retirement! 

Mrs. Michelle Schiller: A 29 Year Reflection By Aidan Doss and Sheridan

After hearing about the large roster of teachers who are graduating into retirement, we thought we would interview a very important teacher to this school. Mrs. Schiller has been with the English department for a long time.  Let’s look at some of her favorite moments.  Mrs. Schiller has been with Lincoln-Way West for 17 years.  She was one of the founding teachers who paved the path to make this school what it is today! Not only has she taught at West, but she also taught at Central and East for a span of 29 years.  One of Mrs. Schillers favorite moments at West was when the Men’s Basketball team went to State.  She noted that it was fun seeing the many buses and the people cheering West on.  

Something she loves about this school is the fact that she has a very supportive department.  Some things people might not know about Mrs. Schiller include the fact that she went to college on a dance scholarship and was a part of the Lincon-Way band.  Of all the foods in the cafeteria, a salami cheese and mustard sandwich with pickles was her favorite. One thing she loved about the change between Central and West was how clean West was.  She also loved the addition of windows to the English department.  Although Mrs. Schiller stopped sponsoring clubs/sports a while ago, her favorite teams were poms and cheer, which she used to coach.  Mrs. Schiller states that her favorite moment of all time at West was Lip dub in 2016. 

Mr. Gary Henerson by Annabelle Fazekas

Mr. Henderson, who currently teaches biology classes, is regarded positively by his students and colleagues for his character and his teaching. After working here since its opening, he answered a few questions about his experience at West before he retires this year.  

His favorite memories at West have come from Homecoming Olympics, and “a lot of my students.” He likes working here because, “It’s a great atmosphere between the staff and the students.  It’s just very positive. Really good students, and the staff is incredibly helpful. The administration here is great. It’s a great school to work at.” When he retires, he is going to miss his friendships with colleagues the most. “I’ve seen these people every day. You know, students disappear on me. You guys all graduate. So I don’t see my students after four years but not seeing the staff on a daily basis; that would be different.” In his retirement, he is planning on, “Moving up to Michigan to the farm, so, there’s a lot of work that needs to be done up there, so I have plenty to do.” 

Through Mr. Henderson’s words and the experiences of those around him, it is made clear that he cares about his job, his students, and his relationships at West. This school will miss him, and we wish him a happy retirement. 

Also retiring this year are Dawn Floyd in the World Languages Department and Lynn Hntekovsky in the Career & Tech Department.