MHS welcomes three new teachers
Three isn't a crowd in this case.
Irma Piper, library media specialist, Carole Ferguson, language arts, and Adam Johnson, music instructor, recently began their first year at Marion High School.
Irma Piper
Irma Piper takes over as library media specialist and actually is in charge of the library at Marion Elementary School as well as MHS.
Although she has taught English or been a librarian in five districts in Kansas, the job in Marion has brought her closer to her hometown of Durham.
She graduated from Durham High School and remembers coming to Marion at different times as a child.
After graduation she attended Emporia State University and while there she received a bachelor's degree in English and a master's in library science.
Marion is similar in size to the other districts Piper has worked for in the past.
She will be working in the MHS/MMS library right down the hall from her husband, and new MHS principal, Jim Piper.
"I'm really looking forward to attending all the activities with Jim," Irma said, "and meeting new people in the community.'
Carole Ferguson
After teaching for 31 years in the McPherson school district, Carole Ferguson decided to retire from teaching English.
When a part-time job at Marion High School became available, the Emporia State University grad jumped at the chance.
She is teaching ninth and 12th grade English.
"It was just a perfect fit," Ferguson said. "So far the people of Marion have been extremely nice and made me feel very comfortable."
Ferguson wasn't used to the smaller size of Marion after being at 5A McPherson for so long. Still, she likes the smaller classrooms.
"The halls are nice and quiet," she said with a laugh.
She said teaching ninth and 12th grade is great because of the material taught at that level. She also enjoys seeing students their senior year after teaching them during their freshman year.
"It's great getting to know them, and it's fun," she said.
Ferguson is married to Tom Ferguson and the couple resides in McPherson.
Adam Johnson
Adam Johnson is the school's new music instructor this fall.
Johnson graduated from Mid-America Nazarene in Olathe and taught in the Fowler school district.
He is the 5-12 music instructor.
Although he had only around half of his members, the band participated in the Marion County fair parade; Johnson's first event as teacher.
"It was a unique way to get back into practice," Johnson said, "But I've really enjoyed working with the students."
