“The mediocre teacher tells. The good teacher explains. The superior teacher demonstrates. The great teacher inspires.”
This quote, attributed to William A. Ward, accurately describes the inspiration choir director Marc Ferguson has brought to the campus.
Ferguson has devoted a great deal of time, talent, and love to the campus choir program. However, after 15 years of teaching, Ferguson has decided to take his talents to Seattle and explore new job opportunities.
“I am leaving because I have decided to give up music and teaching all together,” Ferguson said. “I will be moving to Seattle where my mom, uncle, and brother live, and I plan on looking for a new career position there when I arrive.”
Many students who have come into contact with Ferguson (commonly known as Ferg) treasure the musical skills he has taught them and enjoy his classes, filled with good times and good education.
“I am going to miss Mr. Ferguson so much,” Laura Berg, ’04, said. “He has been such an inspiration in helping teach and guide us in becoming better singers.”
Apart from running the choral program, Ferguson teaches French I, II and III. He has brought culture on campus not only through music, but also through the French language.
“Ferg has been such an amazing teacher and I am incredibly sad to see him leave,” Josh Wright ’05, said. ” I have had the honor of being in both choir and French class with him. He is a very talented man, and I am a better musician, French speaker and person because of him.
Ferguson has good memories about the students, but also about working with the staff.
“I have had so many good memories here” said Ferguson. “Some of my favorite things about working here were working with Mr. [Paul] McEntee, the campus band director, and with the administration. Principal [Gary] Schultz and Superintendent [Tim] Wilkins were always very supportive of the music program. It’s sad to leave the wonderful staff here on campus.”
Ferguson has both been blessed by the staff and been an inspiration to them in return.
“Mr. Ferguson has taught me more about music than anyone I have ever met,”” McEntee said. “He has been a great friend, teacher and mentor to me, and I will treasure the years we spent together.”