As the 2024-2025 school year comes to an end, Wilde Lake has to wave goodbye to long-time educators either through their retirement, or their exploration into new endeavors. Wilde Lake is losing these four teachers at the end of this year: Mr. Crouch, Mr. Mandl, Ms. Dixon, and Dr. Sura.
Mr. Crouch has been teaching at Wilde Lake for 10 years. He has most notably been the Choir Director and a Music Educator.
While gone, Crouch plans on working towards earning a doctorate from University of Maryland.
His student, Lily Pang says that Crouch helps his students find their potential,“He gave me so many opportunities to help me build my skill. He works with students in a way that finds their individual potential. Overall he’s a very kind and caring teacher,” she said.
Mr. Crouch’s message to Wilde Lake is: “The music I made at WLHS is far less important than the connections I made with my students, and with this incredible community that supported me from day one. I will never forget my time at The Lake, and I can’t wait to come back and see all of the amazing things everyone does in the future.”
Ms. Dixon has been teaching at Wilde Lake for 35 years. She has worked as the GT Research Teacher and a Spanish educator.
In retirement, Dixon plans to focus on traveling.
Her student, Yoni Yohannes, says that Dixon will be missed at Wilde Lake,“I needed a lot of help at a student learning conference and she was there to provide it for me. It’s going to be weird without her, especially considering the impact she’s had. I’m definitely going to miss her,” he said.
Dixon’s last words of wisdom to Wilde Lake are: “I’ve been at Wilde Lake for half of my life, and it’s been a great run. If I have one quote to give it would be “fail fabulously.”
Mr. Mandl has been teaching at Wilde Lake for 31 years. He has worked as a Science Educator and has been the advisor of the Red Cross Club.
In retirement, Mandl says he wants to focus on his writing and travel.
His student, William Roeum says that Mandl leaves a lasting impact on his students, “Mr. Mandl is one of the best teachers I’ve ever had. You can tell he has a deep passion for sciences and it reflects in his lesson plans,” he said.
Mr. Mandl says that what he will miss is “ seeing students understand something we are teaching.”
Dr. Sura has been teaching at Wilde Lake for 14 years. He has worked as a Science Educator, and has led the Robotics Club and ACS-CHEM Club. In retirement, Dr. Sura says he plans on traveling more, especially in Australia.
His student, Tiffany Berry, says that she always enjoyed her time with him, “He was always funny and caring towards his students. I had a great time in his class,” she said. Sura’s last piece of wisdom to Wilde Lake is: “In [the students] capable hands, they will lead the way forward. As for me, I’ll continue to reach for these stars.”
After eight years at Wilde Lake and four years as the class of 2025 sponsor, Mr. Miles Blount has been awarded the honor of Senior Teacher of the Year.
During his time at the Lake, Mr. Blount has worked with the English and Special Education department. He has also coached the Step Team.
2025 class president James Shidle says Mr. Blount deserved this title more than anyone else.
“I voted for Mr. Blount for teacher of the year, and it was a no-brainer. He strives to help people become the best versions of themselves. He is always there for students when they need someone to talk to. Mr. Blount has made Wilde Lake feel like a home.” said James. “Mr. Blount has inspired me to be better, to be someone I could be proud of. and someone the community could be proud of, too.”
The class of 2025’s gratitude towards Mr, Blount is reciprocated back to them. During his Senior Awards Ceremony speech, Mr. Blount says he will struggle to let the class of 2025 go.
“Wilde Lake is going to take a long time to recover from the hole you leave behind. I am going to take a long time to recover, but I have to let you go,” said Mr. Blount. “Deep down, I know that the world needs you far more than we do. So go show them who you are.”
