Long-time R-5 coach/teacher announces retirement

Wednesday, November 21, 2018
Retiring Coach Marsha Hooper pictured with the seventh grade volleyball team. Front row: Kyrsten Owen, Reese Hedges, Katie Johnson, Lanie Jackson, Chloe Morris. Back row: Coach Marsha Hooper, Kennedy Ogle, Kara Phillips, Delaney Hope, Alli Balk, Adison Smith.

Described by co-workers as “dedicated, thoughtful and a good role model,” R-5 teacher and Coach Marsha Hooper is retiring from her post after 27 years with the district. Hooper began her teaching career in 1982 at Sheldon, transferred to Eureka, Kan. in 1989, and landed in Nevada 1992 where she has taught physical education, conceptual physics and physical science, and also coaches several sports.

As a student athlete who also enjoyed school, Hooper started planning her future early. “I loved school, had great teachers, and knew from the seventh grade on that I wanted to be a teacher and coach,” she said. A 1978 Sheldon graduate, Hooper began her 37 year teaching career after graduating from Southwest Baptist University.

Hooper’s dedication to teaching is evident when reading comments from those who work alongside her. “Marsha Hooper is truly an example of hard work and dedication to her students and to her job,” writes colleague Dorene Rhoads. “Over the years, I have seen the positive impact she has had on her students in class and while coaching. Marsha is always willing to step in and help anyone and everyone. She is a source of encouragement and support behind the scenes, never calling attention to herself. I know Marsha will be greatly missed.”

Even though Hooper is now looking forward to more free time, she admits she will miss her interactions with other staff and students, and being involved in extracurricular activities. “I am hopeful the opportunity may arise to continue at least partial involvement in some of these activities.”

“One of the hardest parts about making the decision to retire was imagining my future without school,” Hooper said. “I love school! I love the kids, my colleagues, the activities, everything. I always have. I currently have many second generation students: kids of ‘kids’ I had during my tenure here at Nevada. Part of me would love to continue for that (and many more) reasons.”

While there is lot she will miss about teaching, Hooper says it’s time to be able to step away some and be able to focus on her family. “My mom, who is 83 and still lives on the family farm, and I like to play Jeopardy! She records it and we play whenever possible. I will enjoy being able to do that, help out with mowing, etc. on the farm, and just taking a few shopping outings.”

And of course, no retirement is complete without adjustments at home. “I’m not sure which concerns my husband the most: the thought that I will have more time to shop and travel or the real possibility that whatever I am doing may interfere with his golfing schedule!”

Even if Hooper isn’t yet totally set on what her future holds at this time, it’s clear she will be missed and has had a positive influence on many who work alongside her. “Marsha has been a wonderful friend and colleague and will be missed in our building next year. For years she has helped to create a friendly workplace by organizing Teacher and Staff Appreciation Days (where the food is amazing because she awakes at 2 am to prepare) and Teacher of the Month gifts and privileges,” Linda Mosier writes. “She is the queen of organization. She has also kept our concession stands running and productive along with providing some incredible proms.”

“What can you say about Marsha Hooper? A diligent worker, dedicated coach, and life-long friend. Marsha has been an incredible role model and mentor for me as teacher and as a coach,” writes Erin Townsend. “She constantly impresses me with her ability to manage so many different tasks without breaking a sweat. She will leave incredibly big shoes to fill in the fall!”

“Marsha is a caring and thoughtful colleague, teacher, and friend. She is a wonderful role model for her students in a number of ways,” Sandy Gilmore adds. “Marsha is willing to go that extra mile to help anyone in need, without being asked. Marsha has made a positive influence in many lives. She will be sorely missed by students and faculty.”

Marsha has always been a valuable resource for myself, other teachers and students,” writes High School Principal Gerald Whalen. “Great relationships with her students and athletes. She is very skilled at planning and organizing events. Marsha’s our main go-to for Prom, concession stands and many other events. Marsha is usually the first to recognize when we have potential conflicts with our schedules; however, she always has a solution. Marsha is one of those individuals that will be difficult to replace due to the many duties she does behind the scenes.”

Middle School Vice-Principal Ben Potter adds that, “Marsha is such a warm and compassionate leader at NMS; she puts in a lot of extra time into Nevada R-5 schools to make sure extra-curricular events are organized and serves the community well. She has been a great asset for me, helping and guiding me with Nevada traditions with my first year in the district. I’m very thankful to have had her in my building!”

“If it wasn’t for Marsha Hooper I may not have survived my first year as Principal five years ago!” writes Middle School Principal Geoff Stewart. “She was great about keeping me informed about upcoming events, how they worked, and what my role was. I was very appreciative of that.”

“There is a saying that goes, ‘You don’t know what you don’t know,’ and she made sure that I knew as much as possible,” Stewart continued. “She is the queen of planning and organization, wears so many different hats, and takes care of so many things behind the scenes. There is not one single person that will be able to replace her and all that she does. She has been a huge part of the Nevada Schools for many years, and I will miss working with her on a daily basis, but I will have her number handy for all the times I need to say, ‘Marsha, remind me how we have done this in the past?’”

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