By TARA HETTINGER
Tara.Hettinger@newsandtribune.com
CHARLESTOWN —
Even though he talked about the science behind creating the perfect pizza sauce, among other things, John Schnatter’s message wasn’t lost on his audience filled with Greater Clark County Schools’ teachers.
Schnatter, founder of Papa John’s and a Jeffersonville High School graduate, surprised teachers during the district’s annual Opening Day Celebration on Monday. He talked about the teachers who didn’t give up on him and helped him become who he is today, and he encouraged them to find the gift in every child to help them reach their potential.
The celebration kicked off the first day back to school for teachers. This year’s event featured Superintendent Stephen Daeschner, who laid out the goals for this school year, recognition of staff members for 30 years of service, student performances from singers and cheerleaders and more. Daeschner said the purpose behind the annual event is to instill pride and excitement for the upcoming fall semester. He pointed to the district’s increase in ISTEP scores this year, which are getting closer to the state average.
“We believe, based on last year, that we can lead Indiana and maybe the nation in what we’re doing for kids,” he told the audience. “We’ll go by the state average [this year] and it’s because of the people sitting in this room.”
He challenged teachers to choose to be positive when reflecting on their jobs, schools and Greater Clark, which will in turn help improve the image of the district. Daeschner also said Greater Clark’s goal is to have value-added education, meaning a student learns more than one year’s worth of information during a school year.
Teachers at the event said they look forward to the annual kick-off, but this year’s surprise guest added something extra.
“It was iconic! [Schnatter] is quite the legend and to hear his story and to hear he was inspired by teachers — it’s amazing. They are part of his founding philosophy,” said Cristie Haire, who has taught for 15 years. “Just to see the actual person who did that, it’s uplifting. My goal is to be one of those teachers who they say my name eventually.”
Penny Seiderman, who has taught for 22 years, said she went to school with Schnatter. She said she graduated a year after him.
“It was kind of nice to see him come back,” she said, adding that she enjoyed the current and former student performances best. “I like to see former students up there doing things. It showcases what we do daily.”
Beth Day, technology teacher at Charlestown High School, said she was happy to have the event moved from JHS to Charlestown to showcase the renovated building. She said she’s ready to get back to work; the first student day is Thursday.
“I’m always excited to be back,” she said.
Haire agreed.
“I’m excited. I’m ready to go,” she said.
