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Wm Chrisman
Class of 1963
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Year | 1963 |
Name | David A Rock |
Yearbook | David Rock |
Status |
Located |
Bio | Some classmates were adventuresome by leaving the boundaries of Independence. However, some of us began and finished our formal education in Independence. Then, taking only a few years away for college, we returned to start and complete our career in Independence, and likely will end life in the same Independence where we began. Such is life for both my wife Sharon and myself. Though four years younger, we both arrived in Independence in 1950, me entering kindergarten and Sharon being only one. Though not knowing each other throughout our school years, by the time she graduated, Truman that "other high school," was established in town due to the increasing population of Independence. Our children must have taken after us, because all four live in Independence with their families. Interesting discussion when all come for dinner. Just like Sharon and myself, two of our children graduated from William Chrisman and two from Truman. In keeping with family balance, three of our six grand children live on the William Chrisman side of Independence, and three live in the Truman area. I am blessed to have had a unique career. Shortly after returning from Graceland College in 1967 I began teaching in the Independence School District. After five years of teaching the next twenty-nine years provided me an opportunity in the school district to become a school psychological examiner, principal, assistant superintendent, deputy superintendent and then superintendent of the school district that had educated me. It has been stated that, "I started school in Independence and I just do not know how to get out of town." After thirty-four year with the Independence School District, Sharon and I retired. Though we enjoy traveling, there is no place like home. After retiring I fill part of my days by working with the City of Independence, School District and Chamber of Commerce in economic development issues that will benefit Independence, and make it a better place for our children and grandchildren. As Superintendent of the Independence School District two highlights standout for which I am especially pleased to have been a part of prior to my retirement. One was naming William Chrisman's little theater after the schools highly accomplished speech and debate teacher, Margaret Meredith. The other, after forty-five years we finally built the football stadium where it originally was intended to be located in the natural bowl near the track. |
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