This year South welcomed 20 new staff members including Melissa Lorenz, Chris Orban, and Brad Zerman.

“The first day was fantastic and exciting! Students are always nervous on the first day, what they don’t know is that it’s just as nerve wracking for teachers,” said Lorenz, the new FACS teacher. Lorenz has been part of the Parkway School District for six years, ever since she was inspired by a colleague who thought she could use her FACS skills to teach students. She started her teaching career by student teaching at South with Monica Dickens. After graduating, she went on to teach at Southwest, Northeast, and Central Middle Schools for the past four years.

“I love teaching middle school students, but when the chance to teach culinary arts to high schoolers arose, I jumped on the opportunity! It’s crazy to reconnect with students I had in middle school and continue to teach them in a fun and interactive environment,” she said.
One of her students, Sophomore, Kenny Higgins, shared his opinion of Lorenz.

“I think it’s really cool that I get to have Mrs. Lorenz again. I really liked her when I had her in middle school. Even though I don’t have her for cooking, she makes Personal Finance pretty fun. Also she always has Play-Doh!” Higgins said.
Like Lorenz, Brad Zerman, who teaches Biology, strives to bring fun into the classroom.

“Originally, I studied marketing at Mizzou. About the time that I graduated, I realized that I really like interacting with kids. I hated sitting in a cube all day at the marketing company where I worked,” he said.
Zerman’s start at South is similar to Lorenz. They both student taught at South and are still close with their mentors.

“I student taught with Mr Richardson about six years ago. Students? Great. Science department? Great. My goal was always to get back to South,” said Zerman.
After student teaching at South, he went on to teach at Northwest High in Jefferson County.

“I taught at Northwest for five years and I loved it, but, as I said, goal was always to get back to South,” he said.

Zerman also commented on the differences between Northwest and South.

“The classrooms are way nicer, the science wing is way nicer, and I get to coach the offensive line here at South. Overall it’s not as different as you think,” said Zerman.
Following the pattern, teacher Chris Orban’s goal for his third year of teaching is to bring fun into the English curriculum. Orban’s whole career is based upon his love for his students.

“The students made me want to teach, and continue to make me each and every day. I love every class I teach, and my only goal this year is to learn how to help my students have fun learning English by learning new techniques from my teammates,” said Orban.
One of his students, junior Abby Sawyer had exceptional things to say about Mr. Orban.

“He’s a good teacher. I learn a lot in his class, and he’s super laid back and chill.”

Sawyer feels he helps them to learn the content without an overwhelming workload compared to her previous English classes.

“He’s one of me and Rachel [Callier]’s favorite teachers because we have really good discussions before and after class. I’m really looking forward to seeing what else the year will bring!” she said.