When Mr Kenoyer first walked into Cashmere High School as a young teacher in 1985, he carried a briefcase full of handouts, a chalkboard eraser, and a head full of dreams. Forty years later, he still walks these same halls—only now, his classroom is full of smartboards, Google Classroom, and students whose parents he once taught.
When asked why he’s stayed so long, Kenoyer replied, “There’s something new everyday.”
Kenoyer is one of several teachers at Cashmere whose decade-long career has shaped the school in profound ways. He has been a biology, PE, and Spanish teacher, causing much positive impact in several categories.
Even though education has transformed around them, these educators have remained pillars of stability and guidance. Their commitment offers a glimpse not just into their personal selves, but also into how a school becomes a community through the people who stay.
The Veterans of Cashmere High School
Mrs. Blomquist teaches PE and used to teach choir. Over her almost four-decade tenure at Cashmere, she has mentored thousands of students, stepped in to teach Health, and “helped redesign the English curriculum multiple times.”
Similarly, Mr Odenrider, has been with the school for years and practically lives in the welding shop. He’s been teaching kids how to weld and use their skills to the best for 29 years.You can usually spot him on the sidelines of the football games, helping and cheering on his favorite team first hand.
Then there’s Mr. Durheim, the beloved volunteer who joined us in 1978. He’s led the school’s wrestling team to multiple state championships and built several extracurricular sports from small after-school clubs into some of the most respected programs in the district.
They’ve Seen It All
These teachers have witnessed massive shifts, not just in technology, but in the very culture of the school.
“We used to have what we called academic probation, where kids had to make satisfactory academic progress or they got shipped to another school,” Stated Odenrider. “New bleachers for football stadiums as well, all that stuff’s come about.”
Blomquist noted how students have changed, too. “Well, when I got here, 38 years ago, there were 235 kids in this school. So now there’s 500? So about double the numbers.”
“There’s less sense of community. People don’t seem like they’re wanting to help out as much as they used to,”added Coach Durheim.
While many things have evolved, some constants remain. All three teachers agree that the heart of education—connection, mentorship, and seeing students grow—is the most important.
The Joys—and Challenges—of Staying the Course
Commitment in education isn’t easy. These teachers have experienced change after change, from an entire remodel to a whole new system of education.
Mr. Odenrider’s least favorite part of teaching has to be the most understandable of all, when he said, “Meetings. I absolutely hate meetings,” but he says that helping kids and getting to teach them skills that will help them in their real lives is more than worth it.
And yet, each and every one of these teachers say the rewards outweigh the hardships by far.
When asked…“The kids, like the other day I had an ultimate frisbee game that was reminiscent of, like, 25 years ago,” said Blomquist, “I mean it was just like, it was awesome.”
What Comes Next?
Retirement is on the horizon for at least one of them.
“I’ll probably finish out this year and step away,” says Kenoyer.
Mrs. Blomquist says that she still really enjoys teaching. “My plan right now is to go at least three more years, to leave with these sophomores.” She then stated that it could always change and maybe she’ll stay even longer than she knows currently.
Mr. Odenrider is undecided. When asked… “At least this year and one more. Then we’ll see after that, how I’m feeling about it.” He said, “I guess I got to do something, so I might keep teaching for a while. You never know.”
No matter how much longer they stay, the school will continue to honor each and every one of our “senior” teachers and the amazing impact they’ve had on all of our lives.
