Tom Meeks Transfers To Canyon Crest Academy
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October 21, 2009 • Cara Connor
Filed under News
Over the last year there have been numerous negative outcomes in the community with one hitting very close to home and has students outraged as Tom Meeks, one of the campus supervisors has been transfered to Canyon Crest Academy.
“I’ve been laid off, it’s interesting how they use phraseology, they don’t refer it to me being laid off but that the position has been eliminated; there is a person behind that position.” Meeks said.
A passerby on campus would likely see a crowding of students around Meek’s golf cart, conversing and laughing, while getting rides to and from classes. More of a social guru and close friend than campus supervisor Meeks was much loved on campus.
“When I broke my foot he helped me by driving me back and forth to class when we had a safety drill. He was such a nice guy,” Emily Sacher, Junior, said.
When students found out about his transfer they were quick to show their outcry. Alesandra Madourwicz, sophomore, created a petition group on Facebook that grew to over 1000 members of disgruntled people affected by Meek’s forthcoming absence. Once the group exceeded a certain amount of members, Madourwicz presented the petition to the administration and the school board.
“The administration said that the reason why he is transferring schools is because of contract. Lori [the other campus administrator] has been in the district longer so she gets priority to stay here,” Madourwicz said.
Regardless of the large amount of group members, and with more joining everyday, Meeks will still not be able to continue to work on campus.
Madourwicz, like many other students on campus, hopes that Meeks will be able to return next year.
What may have surprised many students on campus when Meeks left was the presence of a new face on campus, Gabe Vasquez. While it may have been been looked upon as a replacement for Tom, it was not the case.
“I have been subbing for two years, but because Lori got shoulder surgery I am working for her until she recovers. The reason why Tom isn’t working instead of her is because he had to attend his real job at Canyon Crest.” Vasquez said.
Knowing that the beloved “Tom” has finally left school, has caused anxiety within the student body. Meeks was a figure on campus that students felt they could identify with. Meeks was more of a friend, a fatherly figure that looked out for the students he so clearly loved.
“He is one of the only staff members that takes time out of his day and gets to know students. A lot of people have a really close bond with him. He is like a counselor, but one we actually talk to.” Libby Sharpe, junior, said.
While many hope to see the return of Meeks, the likelihood of our campus seeing the familiar image of his smile, baseball cap and golf cart is slim, especially for seniors. However the students on our campus will always have fond memories of him and the things that he did for this school.
“I can’t believe that he is leaving, it really sucks, no one can replace Tom, I’m really going to miss him,” Drew Kitchens, Junior, said.
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