Current MHS teachers reflect on their time as MHS students

Aditi Varman | The Chronicle

Some teachers at Mason High School have a deeper connection to the building than most — they once walked the halls as students. From the classrooms where they studied to the sports fields where they competed, their high school experience shaped who they are today. Now, they’ve come full circle, returning to teach in the very place where their own story began. 

Karan Witham-Walsh was a Mason student K-12 and graduated class of 1985. Witham-Walsh returned to Mason as a ceramics teacher.

Witham-Walsh said her involvement in extracurricular activities played a significant role in shaping her high school experience. From leadership positions to artistic pursuits, she embraced a variety of opportunities that allowed her to explore her different interests and passions. 

“I was voted most involved [in high school]; I was very into performing arts and loved drama club,“ Witham-Walsh said. “I had multiple leadership roles in student council and Key Club. I just loved high school and made the most out of it.”

Witham-Walsh said her time as a student in Mason has allowed her to recognize how impactful a teacher can be. She credits a key figure during her time at Mason High School — her own high school art teacher. The impact of that mentorship continues to influence how she approaches her own teaching today. 

“My high school art teacher had a big impact on who I was in high school, she was very instrumental in my path and I want to serve as that for my students,” Witham-Walsh said.

Looking back, Witham-Walsh said that art wasn’t initially on her radar as a career path. However, her growing love for the subject reinforced her belief in the importance of following one’s passion and creating an impact on others.

“I never would have thought I was going to go into art but because I loved it so much, when I got to college I realized that was the avenue I wanted to take,” Witham-Walsh said. “When I was a student I would have never imagined I would even be a teacher, let alone return to Mason.”

Witham-Walsh said reflecting on Mason’s growth always feels surreal to her. From the size of her graduating class to the town’s transformation, she has witnessed firsthand the incredible growth of both the school and community. The changes have been particularly meaningful to her, offering a unique perspective as both an alum and now a teacher at Mason. 

“When I graduated Mason we had a graduating class of 131 students. Now it’s almost ten times that,” Witham-Walsh said. “I remember growing up in a Mason that was completely filled with farms and cows and fields. Coming back and watching the evolution of this town and school has been so special to me.”

Looking back on her high school years, Witham-Walsh said there are lessons she wishes she had known during her time in high school. She recognizes how much students get caught up in the future, and wants current students at Mason to enjoy the present. 

“If I could say something to Karan Witham-Walsh in high school, I would tell her to prioritize her relationships and not rush the future,” Witham-Walsh said. “It’s easy to get caught up in thinking about college, careers, or where you’re going to end up, but trust that things will unfold. Focus on the present and enjoy the journey rather than constantly stressing about the destination.”

Similarly to Witham-Walsh, current Mason chemistry teacher Mike Jordan attended Mason and graduated in the class of 1982.

Jordan said his high school experience was more than solely ‘hitting the books’ — it was focused on being involved. From playing sports to joining the band, he worked hard to balance it all. 

“I was an above average student, not perfect, but I tried to make the most out of high school. I think all students should do the same,” Jordan said. “I was big on sports in high school. Track, football, basketball. But I also was in band. I was very interested in getting involved in the variety of activities and communities Mason offered back then, and still does.”

Jordan’s connection to Mason goes beyond his own high school years — it extends to his children as well. Jordan said his kids followed in his footsteps, taking advantage of the new opportunities at Mason. Over the years, Jordan has seen how the school has grown and evolved, providing even more opportunities for the next generation of students.

“Both my kids also attended Mason, and the opportunities they both had grew so much compared to what I had as a kid. This school always seems to be growing,” Jordan said.

Jordan said looking back on his own journey, he has some valuable advice for today’s Mason students. He emphasizes the importance of hard work, but also encourages embracing the unknown. Life in high school, he said, is full of challenges, and it’s those very challenges that help us grow.

“I would tell any current highschooler to work as hard as you can but embrace uncertainty in their lives and that every challenge is a stepping stone to growth. Each experience, good or bad, will shape you to be a stronger person,” Jordan said.