Saying Goodbye to Friendly Faces

photo by Natonya Clinger

The school year is coming to an end, and we have to say goodbye to some of the best teachers as they take a new path in their professional lives, some little changes and some big changes.
by Natonya Clinger

Mrs. Kathy Cocchi a beloved algebra teacher by all students. Natonya CLinger explains, “I'm not the greatest at Math- it's definitely not my strong suit, but when I started in Mrs. Cocchi's class, it felt different. I understood what she was teaching me, and she was always there when anyone needed help. She always encouraged students to participate even if they were wrong. Mrs. Cocchi is a wonderful teacher, and we know everything about her. She doesn't keep secrets with us, and she always is happy to share about her weekend and about anything that is happening in her life. She is so sweet and happy all the time and just overall a great teacher. I'm sad she is leaving because she is one of the best teachers I have had. She makes me feel so welcome, and I think that if you asked anyone about Mrs. Cocchi they would say the same thing.” 

Mrs. Cocchi had a busy weekend with her daughter getting married. And on her way to Kentucky where the wedding was she got a phone call from a company she applied to several months ago saying they wanted to move forward with her application. On Tuesday it was final- she got the job and was leaving Walnut Grove. “A position was offered that better suits the needs of my daily life. It has nothing to do with the school . It's truly a wonderful school system. I've worked at different schools before this, and this is my favorite. It's a wonderful group of admins and teachers,” said Cocchi.

On Wednesday she had to tell her classes that she will be leaving and not coming back next year, “It's going to be very hard and emotional… the students, that's why I do it and that's what I'm going to miss the most and why I stayed doing it for 20 years was to be with students. I truly enjoy working with young people and watching them grow and succeed .”

Last day for students is Wednesday 5-24-23. That is going to be the last day that we see the wonderful Mrs. Kathy Cocchi. After Friday (5-26-23) Cocchi explains, “I will immediately start my new job and hopefully have some rest to reflect on the new changes in my life.”

Another one of our great beloved teachers that are take a new journey is the one and only Coach Jerry Caraffa a history teachers is going to leave history and move downstairs hidden away from students in the weights room, “It just something that was an opportunity that i had to do something exciting and something i've been wanting to do since i've gotten into coaching continuing with that aspect of teaching” 

Carrafa is one of the many beloved teachers here at WGHS and a lot of students are sad about not being able to have Carrafa as a Social Studies teacher. When Carrafa was asked how this school year was and knowing it won't be the same next year he said “.it was alright, actually it was fantastic.” Coach Carrafa explains, “It will be hard to say goodbye… it will be hard not seeing the people around me like couch Fid and Gulsby and everyone in B hall because you know, the best hall ever, but I'll be downstairs with other fun people to be around. I like getting to know the students and making history enjoyable for them. I'm gonna miss teaching a little bit, [but I'm] still doing the same thing just in a different way, so I still get to have fun with the students in a different capacity.” 
​
When talking to Carrafa about his summer and what next year will hold he says “Over the summer we have football like every day, but when I'm not doing that, then I'll be playing golf and fishing… Next year I'll be in the weight room which is exciting, I'm ready to get that rolling.”