With the 2022-2023 school year over, there are MHS staff members we will, unfortunately, have to say farewell to. Family and consumer science (FCS)  teacher Kathy Danner is one of them.

“There came a time in my life when I wanted more education and considered many options before deciding on teaching. With great support from my family, I entered college and put forth my best effort and was very happy to achieve my education goals,” said Mrs. Danner.  

After being a stay-at-home mom, Mrs. Danner attended Iowa Wesleyan College to study elementary education, with endorsements in reading and social studies. After subbing in various classrooms in the community, Mrs. Danner became a family and consumer science teacher at the high school in 2005. Since then, Mrs. Danner has taught clothing, housing, child development, and culinary arts classes.

Mrs. Danner says that she maintains connections with her colleagues and students. What she will miss most about teaching is the students’ distinct personalities.

“It is so awesome to see past students when I am out and about and see how they have matured and the success they are having in their own life.”

Her career in education has changed how she views the world, and she hopes that will continue. “Hopefully, it has kept my mind challenged so I don’t lose it as I get older! I believe working with so many different personalities has made me more tolerant of  the differences in people and cultures that I did not have contact with before.”

If Mrs. Danner could go back in time, she said she wouldn’t change a thing. She encourages current and future educators to realize students have creative minds, listen to them, roll with the punches, and remember the good times.