Eunie McEntee became known for her enthusiasm and passion through her coaching style of physical education and cheerleading. After 27 years of service on campus, McEntee plans to redirect.

“I chose to redirect this year versus other years because Mr. Schultz (Principal Gary) asked if I would come back for a semester to hold a job for a fabulous future teacher,” McEntee said. “I held the job for her. They needed to hire someone for one semester. Plus, they were going through accreditation. I love it here, you can always go home to family.”

McEntee believes Jeremiah 29:11 will guide her after the redirection. She also plans to place priority on spending time with her five grandsons.

“Mrs. Mac is one of the most encouraging people I know,” Danielle Chidister, ?07, said. “I never knew anyone had such a positive outlook until I met her. She has played a big role in changing my perspective on life. Her ‘always keep a smile on your face and a positive attitude’ has really made an impact on me.”

Career begins prior to FC

Before teaching on campus, McEntee coached in the Clovis Unified School District.

“I was the gymnastic coach at Clovis High and with a third child on the way I had to leave,” McEntee said. “The opportunity to work just a few days seemed like a good idea to me. Mr. [Tim] Wilkins came and talked to me; he basically recruited me.”

McEntee found the supportive staff assisted her transition to a private school.

“The atmosphere here is just amazing,” McEntee said. “I love the fact that you can be open with your walk with the Lord, pray and read God’s word. In public schools that spiritual dimension is sorely limited.”

Techniques influence students

Katie Mendenhall cheered for McEntee’s squad throughout junior high and high school. As the current coach, Mendenhall derives her methods from years with her former instructor.

“She has been my role model and mentor to me since I was in high school,” Mendenhall said. “The most important lesson I have learned from her is how to love others with the love of Christ, I will miss seeing her around the campus. She adds so much enthusiasm and sparkle to the campus.”

After the 2003-04 school year, McEntee and her husband, David, felt led to Belgium. They worked with BLF (Biblical Literature Fellowship) in a three-story, 81-year old, eight bedroom home. They housed groups who came from the US to volunteer working a 40-hour week at the printing press.

“Our responsibility was to maintain ‘La Grande Maison’ and ‘La Petite’ (the Big and Little House), uphold the yard, cook, clean, transport and encourage the volunteer groups,” McEntee said. “We learned about a unique ministry and became life-long friends with fabulous people. Our eyes were opened to new arenas of sharing God’s word and being involved in it! David and I savored the opportunity and enjoyed each other as we ‘ministered’ together.”

Current aspirations result in redirection

Despite her love for teaching, McEntee has kept family as her main priority.

“Having family at work is both positive and negative,” McEntee said. “It’s good because you get to work with the people you love most, but it’s hard at the same time because you have to keep the peer, wife and mother roles separate.”

McEntee relinquished her title of girls’ physical education teacher to Shaylee Jones, future varsity volleyball coach.

“She’s awesome, caring about relationships, good with kids, young and vibrant,” McEntee said. “I held the job for her because she will be a wonderful teacher. I recently learned she is from Kingsburg, which is also my roots. Therefore, she will be even better!”

In preparation for her new job, Jones spent time with McEntee and her classes.

“The one day I worked with Mrs. Mac was interesting,” Jones said. “She’s really enthusiastic and the little things she does for her students show them that she cares. I’m excited about coming next semester, it was nerve racking at first, but once I met everyone I felt fine.”

While Jones looks forward to leading the girls’ P.E. class, McEntee will continue to live out her simple perspective.

“Life is short, live in it. Go all out for the Lord,” McEntee said.