With the end of the school year around the corner, English teacher Josie Clark is leaving the nest to make her move back to Missouri, ultimately concluding her final year at Free State, and her fifth year teaching at a high school level. Clark said that it was a very difficult and bittersweet decision to make.

“I love my students very much, and I really love Lawrence,” Clark said. “However, all of my family and close friends are in Missouri, so I am moving back to be closer to them.”

Clark has taught advanced and standard English 9, English 101 and 102 and a few creative writing classes. Clark said that she has had many great memories during her time as a Firebird including a laughable moment that happened in one of her freshman classes.

“They had been switching seats without me noticing. They would play a silent game of rock-paper-scissors from across the room and whoever won got to decide if they wanted to steal the other’s seat or not. They were so sneaky,” Clark said. “I got a kick out of it; I love light-hearted silliness like that. Overall, the time spent laughing with my students and classes is a piece of my time here that I cherish.”

Clark, along with six other staff members have made the decision to leave this year and begin a new chapter of their lives. Clark said that she will significantly miss teaching at Free State.

“My students are truly the best. I will also miss my wonderful colleagues. I’ve met so many amazing people here over the last five years,” Clark said. “I have really enjoyed seeing my students beyond freshman year when they come back to chat or when I have them in a higher-level class; seeing them graduate after having them as freshmen is such a cool moment. I’ll miss being a Firebird.