Mr. Upson, the History teacher at Larned High School (LHS), has been teaching for 30 years, as of this year. Mr. Upson has touched many student lives, and he encouraged them to look out for their futures. Mr. Upson has been one of the most involved teachers at LHS. As well as teaching, Mr. Upson is a Track Coach, driver’s ed. teacher, and scorekeeper for a variety of different sports. Mr. Upson has seen changes throughout the high school, including many construction changes, staff changes, and technological changes. Mr. Upson shows he cares about the students every day in the classroom, and he is responsible for keeping many students on track for success.
Mr. Upson has been teaching for 30 years, and his love for teaching and being a part of student lives has kept Mr. Upson here. When asked how he likes teaching here, he states “Well, I’ve taught here for 30 years, so I must like it; this is a good school, and the kids are funny.” Taylor Adams, a sophomore at the high school told us, “I don’t know how I would’ve gotten through my first year here without Mr. Upson.” Many students feel this way about Mr. Upson because he pushes them, even if they feel like they can’t do something. Mr. Upson recalled that “I’ve seen a lot of construction and technological changes over the years, but the kids stay the same.” One of the biggest changes Mr. Upson mentioned is the technology, “What I’ve seen change in the years is technology in the classrooms.”
In addition to teaching, Mr. Upson also coaches track in the spring and teaches drivers ed in the summer. He coaches shot put, discus, and javelin for the track team. Mr. Upson’s athletes describe him as a “lively and diligent coach.” He has coached many record-breaking throwers. He has been teaching driver’s ed. for 3 years. It is important that Mr. Upson is helping teach the younger generations how to drive. It really shows how much he cares for his students and their well-being. “I enjoy having the opportunity to teach the younger generation how to drive” He told us. Mr. Upson has such an impact on the student’s lives; the skills students learn in driver’s ed. are skills they will use for the rest of their lives.
Through the 30 years here at LHS, Mr. Upson has taught and coached many students and seen changes from construction to technological, Mr. Upson has seen it all, and he had an impact on so many student’s lives. There is no doubt that Mr. Upson loves teaching here. He is a motivational and helpful teacher who helps students reach their potential every day. After 30 years, Mr. Upson has seen countless changes but he tells us the kids, and the reason for teaching, never changes!
