06/13/2023
Finding the right words is never easy…
The past 11 years at Kennedale HS have been some of the most rewarding experiences of my 26 years as an educator. There have been so many great memories with the kids and their families I have grown to know so well over the years! I will always cherish those memories. Parents- It has been a blessing to get to know each and everyone of you and get to know and work with your kids. I truly felt when I started at Kennedale HS, that this would be the place that I would retire from, but that will not be the case. It is because of all those memories, that the next line will be difficult to read. The time has come for me to resign my position as teacher, archery coach, bass fishing team sponsor, and the other duties at Kennedale HS.
To all the kids I have had the honor of teaching and working with at KHS, I wish you the best…in any remaining school years and in life. Working with you and seeing the confidence each of you have developed over the years was the most rewarding part of my job! Continue to build on that confidence with the new person who is chosen to take my place. I love you all like my own and that will never change. When you need that letter of recommendation for work or college admission- I got you!
Over the past decade, we have had hundreds of kids participate in the archery program, and over a thousand easy in the Outdoor Adventures classes. Kids caught their first fish ever, participated in laser s***t practice in class, and actual s***t shooting at the Arlington Sportsman Club, partnered with Bob Barnette and the Texas Youth Hunting Program, listened to fishing guides brought in as guest speakers, went canoeing and kayaking at Lake Arlington, earned their hunter safety and boater safety cards, learned how to Dutch oven cook, had cookouts and trash clean-ups at Sonora Park, worked with KKB at the butterfly gardens downtown, and landscaped the entrance to the Water Department here for the City. As a program, we have raised and awarded $10,000 in scholarships to the top HS archers of the Garrett Hull Memorial Scholarship Tournament in his honor and memory. Tens of thousands of people came into the Kennedale community the past 6-7 years to support their kids competing in our tournaments.
I did have a person in mind that would have been a great fit to continue the program we all have built together. That person has since turned the position down and I am unsure of who the next person will be. Whoever that person is, tell them I left an Archery folder for them in my Aquatic Science lesson plans from last year on the Google Drive that has A LOT of valuable info, scholarship forms, the template for the record board, and other things they will find useful.
Whoever is chosen to lead the program will inherit a great group of returning kids who set the school record last year, an awesome booster club with outstanding parents, all the equipment they need, and a foundation that is very solid and sustainable.
To my kids and parents, I love you all and can’t thank you enough for all the years of wonderful memories! This has been a fun ride, and one I am honored to have shared with each and every one of you.
My last day at Kennedale will be the last day of summer school on June 22nd when I turn in my keys and school laptop. Summer school ends at 3:00 and I park behind the building. If any current or former students, parents, or Kennedale friends wish to come by and visit, I will see you then. We can share a few hugs, laughs, and maybe even a few tears.
Our booster club board members have posting rights on this page and I will try to ensure the new person hired will as well. That way they can add to the tradition that has been established. There are too many great memories in the pics and videos here that need to stay and be seen forever. Photos and videos you will someday show your own kids about what you did while in high school. And you will smile at them all…as will I.
The goal was to build an Outdoor Ed program that gave every kid an opportunity to participate free that would last forever…especially the kids who were not in any activities at all on campus. It has given them a home and something positive to belong to. I think WE did that…dozens of groups, volunteers, fundraisers, the ACE program…the list is long, and the hours were longer, but the vision was brought to reality. Thank you to citizens, parents, and donors who have supported the outdoor education program over the years. Your support meant the world to me and the kids involved in the programs. Without ALL of you, the program would not be where it is today. I will see you all on down the road at some point.
Be blessed and much love to our kids and families. If I left anyone out, my apologies. The list is long of everyone who have contributed to the program.
Respectfully,
Coach Wilcox
