This year marks the end of an era for several De Soto High School teachers and staff including Darren Erpelding, Lisa Pelkey, John Sedler and Kris Meyer, all of whom are going to be dearly missed.

“I’m leaving because it’s easier on my family. My wife teaches at Free State in Lawrence, and I’m teaching here, and my kids go to Eudora, so we’re on three separate schedules. So going to Eudora would simplify things for us,” Erpelding said.

Although their departure may be saddening to many, there are many good things to look back on for both the students who have been affected by the teachers and the teachers themselves.

“I’ve really liked the students the most. The students here are a lot of fun, of course that’s why I became a teacher because I love being with kids all day. That’s why it’s been so hard for me to leave because I wasn’t sure if I was ready to get out of the classroom,” English teacher Lisa Pelkey said.

“I have really enjoyed working with the high school students. You’re able to have a conversation with them, be a little sarcastic and then help them be able to kind of make life decisions because they’re heading out into the real world,” Meyer said. “Also the staff are very laid-back and welcoming and accepting of people.”

There are many reasons for having to leave, and for Pelkey, it is to further her career.

“I am going to the University of Kansas to finish my doctorate, so I’m going to be doing a residency where I have to be in full academic pursuit and teach college students for two semesters in a row,” Pelkey said.

For the number of teachers and staff who are leaving, each reason and scenario is unique. According to those who have made the decision to leave, they have loved their time at De Soto High School.

“Mr. Meyer, who used to be our principal, moved to Gardner, and I have an opportunity to get reacquainted with him. I love everything about De Soto, but it just felt like the time was right to make that move,” Sedler said. “I would say the best thing about De Soto High School is the family flavor that exists here. Everybody has been so open. Whether it was the students or the staff or the administration or the families, there’s just a good family flavor here. We’re small enough where you get to develop a lot of great relationships, it’s not just about a number. I’ll miss that the most, and the thing I’ll take with me is all the friendships that I’ve made in such a short time.”

Although it may be disappointing that dedicated teachers and staff are leaving, the memories that have been made in their time here will not soon be forgotten.

“I love Erp!” sophomore Alex Powell said, enthusiastically.