The arrest of former theater teacher Louis (Nick) Saubers created a vacancy in many different positions at SCHS leaving some classes to be dissolved. Speech and Debate, Actors Studio, Advanced Leadership, Youth Engagement Leadership and Learning, Tech Theater and the fall play were all left without a teacher or sponsor. After the arrest the administration, knowing how close Saubers has been with staff and even some students, focused on supporting those close to him who were shocked by the news.
“It’s always a challenge when you have a faculty member who suddenly creates a vacancy…you’re left with a lot of things… how do we take care of the kids? How do we make sure they have a high quality instructor in that person’s place? How do we take care of each other as faculty members?” Assistant Principal Patricia Closson said.
Many of the classes without a teacher were left to be dissolved with students being moved to different classes during those blocks. As far as the classes that were not dissolved, Matthew Lenger, a school district sub, former Assistant Principal at Hardin, and teacher at SCHS and SCW, has taken over. Lenger, though retired in 2023, has remained subbing and helping out in the district. Starting on the second Monday of school, he has been in the building as teaching Speech 1 and 2 and Theater 1 and 2.
“I’ve got a lot of good ideas for Speech and the curriculum is very straight forward. I’ve taught the elements of speech in almost every class I’ve ever taught,” Lenger said.
While Lenger took over various classes, Courtney Gibson, the choir teacher and spring musical sponsor as well as McKenna Hendershott both took on directing. The play this year is The Legend of the Sleepy Hollow with anywhere between 16-30 roles
being cast.
“I’ve wanted to do this play for awhile…I was ready to take it,” Gibson said.
Gibson has directed the play in previous years, taking it on in even shorter notice than this year. From her experience doing the musical, she feels very prepared to do the play this year with the help of Hendershott and her mother, Lori Gibson.
“It was way more stressful the last time I did it… this time I feel like I have a full several months to prepare,” she said.
Play auditions will take place Sept. 16 at SCHS.
