By Aizak Miller 

Sports Editor

Kate Kraybill is a retiring English teacher at Blue Springs South.

Why did you get into teaching? 

I had good teachers growing up; I tried to fight becoming a teacher, but I just love the kids too much, and now 35 years later it’s one of the best decisions I have made in my life. 

Where did you go to school HS & College? 

Pittsfield High school in Pittsfield, Illinois.  I started college at Illinois Wesleyan University and then transferred to Western Illinois University and that’s where I got my degree. 

Where did you grow up? 

Grew up in Detroit, Michigan, and then when I was nine, I moved to Pittsfield Illinois. 

Plans for after retirement? 

I’m going to work I don’t know where yet. Might teach over in Kansas, possible job with the state of Missouri, instructional coach at alternative high schools and maybe even working at a library. 

Hobbies and Interests? 

I love being outdoors, hiking, hiking with dogs, gardening, going to the lake with friends, reading historical fiction books. 

Family? 

Husband (Jim), 3 children (2 stepsons, 1 daughter), 3 grandchildren, 2 lab dogs 

Why did you retire this year? 

 I think it’s just time, financially able to basically get two checks. I’m ready for something new and different 

Have you teached/worked at any other school? 

 First teaching job was in a one room schoolhouse out in Cherry County, Nebraska. Spent 5 years back at her hometown subbing, moved to Missouri in 1998, was in Owensville Missouri (elementary), then Bowling Green Missouri (Middle School), then Montrose Missouri (middle and high school), then Riverview gardens in St. Louis for 3 years then came to south. Been at South for 12 years. 

What will you miss the most? 

The kids and the relationship I build with my kids, I still am in contact with students I have had, even dating back to 20 years ago. 

Favorite memory? 

 One of my favorite memories is when I had a group of football boys in class, and we would just have such a good time and laugh and joke around and going to all their football games and just building those relationships.