Some Lafayette students count down the days until they have their diploma in hand and can say “Goodbye” to high school and the Rockwood School District. Yet, some former Lancers have returned to Rockwood and taken on roles as administrators in different buildings.
Marquette High School’s current Junior Class Principal Greg Mathison never imaged after graduating from Lafayette in 1996 he would return to Rockwood as a faculty member let alone administrator. Next year, he will take over as principal of MHS.
Mathison said, “While in high school I did not imagine myself as a teacher. I wanted to be an engineer so I could make money.”
He continued, “Once I got into [Mizzou] I decided that I wanted to make a difference in people’s lives and switched my major to Mathematics Education. That is when I realized I wanted to come back to the Rockwood School District and Lafayette and give back to our community.”
Yet, once Mathison realized his career path led him to education he returned to LHS as part of the Math Department before joining the Marquette administration.
He said, “Once in college I realized that Rockwood gave me a world class education and I wanted to be part of something special. I feel that it is easier to understand Rockwood since I am a product of the district.”
Mathison said that while Lafayette’s mission for educational excellence is still the same the building itself has changed since his student days.
“Lafayette has had a major face lift as far as the facilities are concerned. The place looks great. Lafayette was a great school when I attended but I feel that it has gotten even better. Lafayette never settles for status quo and is always striving to be the best.” He said.
Mathison said he has many memories at taken place at Lafayette, from playing high school sports to teaching.
He said, “As a student, I will always remember being on the district championship football team that finished in the top 10 in the state. As a teacher, I will always remember the fun times hanging out with my colleagues while eating donuts in the library. As a coach, I will always remember the wonderful students and parents that I worked with,” he said.
LaSalle Springs Middle School’s Assistant Principal Adam Gabris is also a Lafayette grad who was drawn back to his former school district.
“Rockwood was first on my ‘wish list’ of school districts to work. I always wanted to be an educator, and Rockwood is an outstanding district, with first rate teachers and staff, so I have been very lucky to be a part of this district for so long.” Gabris said.
When asked if he believed being a student of Rockwood before he became a staff member was a bonus, Gabris responded, “I believe so. The familiarity is nice, and there is also a sense of community you gain from working for a school system that you were a part of.”
As for Lafayette itself, Gabris is impressed with the new construction and improvements since he attended.
Gabris said, “The theatre is phenomenal . . . and the library is amazing. It is good to see so many new things going on there.”
Gabris has many fond memories at Lafayette. He said he hopes students realize the great educational experience they are getting that he received as well.
He concluded, “Just being in the halls with my friends, crowding around a table at lunch, cheering on the football and hoops teams and playing Lancer baseball with my buddies. The fun part is the little things every day are what made my memory of LHS so great. I would certainly tell students today to enjoy the big moments, but remember that the day to day is what made LHS so great.”
Other Rockwood administators who grauated from LHS include Eureka High School Principal Jim Wipke and Rockwood’s Director of Human Resources Katie Reboulet.