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teacher tributes
Also retiring... Bonnie Rossborough For Instructions Secretary Bonnie Rossborough, TOHS is not merely her place of work but in many ways her home. As a alumna herself, along with her children, Rossborough feels a special tie. “I love the Lancer tradition,” Rossborough said. “When I went here as a kid and even now, everyone cares for one another, and there’s a real sense of teamwork.” Sadly, her 14 years of working at our school will come to end soon as she is retiring in order to spend more time with her children and grandchildren. She was originally the school Health Clerk but then became Instructions Secretary, a job in which she helps plan the school’s master schedule as well as the budget. “I worked for Bank of America, but I when I had children of my own I wanted a childfriendly job so I started working at TOHS as Health Clerk,” she said. With all her history with the school, it will be difficult for her to leave. “I think I’m going to miss interacting with all the kids everyday the most,” Rossborough said. “I’m going to miss being busy. You know every day here brings a new adventure.” - Alexandra Randall Allen Burnham Forty years and six months. Allen Burnham has been a custodian at Thousand Oaks High School for 40 years and six months. And he’s enjoyed every minute of it. “I’ve always loved working with everyone —the staff, the teachers and especially the students,” he said. “It’s been wonderful.” Burnham’s career at TOHS, however, will come to a close at the end of this school year as he trades in his custodial duties for a life of relaxation and travel. Although he will miss the people, Burnham is excited about the opportunities retirement will provide, as well. “I’m ready to spend more time with my family and grandkids and to travel,” Burnham said. - Alexandra Randall
senior issue
2012
I’ve had you for 2 and a half years and you’ve made my high school experience so great. Every day in your class is exciting and special. You are a great man with a great personality. You rock! Madison Marks
Thank you so much for inspiring me to think outside the box and be content with being someone different. You’ve always been so open-minded and supportive. I’ll always remember the crazy stories and weird things you’ve done. Thank you so much. I’ll miss you tons.
retiree: Mr. Love
Ariel Thompson
You have been such an amazing teacher. You have taught us all a lot and we still have a ton of fun. Love you, Cecelia Ortega
I cannot thank you enough for all you have done. you have had the greatest impact as a teacher in my life. You are so down-to-earth and willing to listen to anything someone has to say. Thank you for all your support and guidance. You truly are one of a kind. With my warmest regards, Jessica Rendon
Mr. Lee, You are the best teacher I have ever had. I am so lucky to have had you for 3 out of my 4 years here. I will always remember you! I love you!! Hanna LaFayette
After 37 years bouncing among Conejo Valley high schools, Tom Lee has one word to describe how he feels about it all: blessed. “It’s easy to fall in love with you guys,” says Lee. “The kids are awesome at this place.” Lee attended Canoga Park High School in the San Fernando Valley, and went to Colorado College in Colorado Springs on a football scholarship after graduation. Whether or not Lee wanted to become a teacher, th decision was encouraged. His wife and entire family pushed for it, having been teachers themselves, and he began teaching at Newbury Park High School after graduating from college. He switched to Westlake after five years at Newbury to help open the school, where he stayed for 15 years. “I remember I won Teacher of the Year while I was at Westlake. It was one of my more memorable moments in teaching,” Lee recalls. Lee came to TOHS in 1995, where he has been a freshman health, career preparation, and drivers’ education teacher ever since. He claims that the Lancers have been his favorite kids to teach, out of all three high schools in his career. For his last year, he added senior Government CP to his schedule and it’s a decision he doesn’t regret. “Teaching seniors during my senior year has been an amazing experience,” says Lee. “They’re such a great group of kids.” Part of Lee’s legacy as a teacher is his relatability;
he attributes his popularity to his desire to make every kid feel at home. By acting like a high schooler himself, he feels he makes his students more comfortable in the classroom. “I love getting kids to talk,” he says. “Acting crazy is the best way to go because kids will pay attention and remember what you said. I care about my kids; I treat them how I wanted to be treated in high school.” Lee is most looking forward to retirement to spend more time with his wife, Nancy, who is a history teacher at Apollo High School in Simi Valley. She is retiring this year as well. Lee and his wife met in his junior year of high school, where they dated for four years before getting married in 1971. He declares her to be the love of his life. “I’m looking forward to becoming a kid again with [my wife],” says Lee. “I want to take train rides and go on vacations with her, and just explore in our life together.” One of the best things about being a teacher, Lee claims, is having weekends and vacations free to spend time with his wife and family. Now, he can’t wait to devote his time to the many special people in his life. “It’s funny; it’s like I went to high school, then college, and they threw me back into high school again,” he says. “My retired friends are waiting for [Nancy and I] to join them in the world of retirement.” Above all else, Lee has led a full and successful career, and shares the seniors’ excitement in taking the next big step in our lives. “I’m so excited to be graduating high school again,” he says. jen smith, senior staff
Mr. martone
mrs. murphy
mr. park
You have inspired, educated, and pushed so many students to reach new heights throughout their college career. Thank you for everything you have done for my and all my peers and I can say without hesitation that you are the best teacher I have ever had. Thank you for being a role model, a mentor, and the finest educator I have ever met. Derek Smith
Dear Mrs. Murphy, You have not only been a coach to the entire dance program but you have been a mom and a role model. You make every dancer fall in love with the sport and you have made high school unforgetable. Thank you so much. Love always, Riley Price
I wouldn’t have been able to get where I am without the help from Coach Park. He has not only helped me with becoming a better player but he truly cares about my education and he has always been here to help me. Summer Esseff
»My facial scruff growing in »Knowledge, power and world domination »My first kiss
»To meet a really good-looking professor »Study abroad »Sex, drugs and chess
what do you hope for most in college
?
»No more busy work »A complete loss of hygiene and cleanliness »Freedom