Mark Armstrong Retires
Launch the media gallery 1 playerMark Armstrong is retiring after 22 years with Perry-Lecompton High School. Mark has been in Education for a total of 35 years, spending his first 14 years in Iowa. He did spend 10 years outside of education between Iowa and PLHS, doing several different things. Mark was a national online training specialist, traveling around the U.S. training real estate agents how to sell and list properties on a computer system; and he was a “headhunter” for a recruiting agency!
Mark is planning on enjoying his retirement, and spending time working to stay healthy. He plans to take long walks in the morning and bicycle trips 3-4 times a week and get to the gym to lift weights. Beyond that, he plans to get some projects done around the house and playing with his dogs. And of course, he still plans to stay connected with PLHS, coming to events, helping with the video broadcast of football and basketball, “Once a Kaw, always a Kaw” says Mark.
We asked Mark what he would miss most about not being in the classroom he responded, the kids and his fellow staff;
“I have really enjoyed the kids at PLHS. For the most part, they have been great. I have loved the banter with them, making memories, and enjoying them in class. Most of them have responded very well in the classrooms. The parents and community can/should be proud of them. I will miss my daily interactions with them tremendously. They have shaped my life and renewed my energy on many occasions.
My fellow teachers are good people that got into teaching for the right reasons. They love our kids also and want what’s best for them. I admire our staff and will miss the daily friendships that we all enjoy. I also will miss my “identity” as a teacher/coach.”
Mark has many fond memories of PLHS, a few memories stand out to him, he enjoyed working with Mike Paramore on the football staff and going to the State Championship game in 2008 playing in Salina against Hayden. He has enjoyed watching and broadcasting the football games the past few years and certainly watching the kids the last two years at the state championship game in Hutchinson. He also has fond memories of cheering the Boys Basketball Team on two straight trips to the State Tournament in Hutchinson.
Mark has this advice for his colleagues and the PLHS Community; “Enjoy life and your career while you can. I can’t believe that 22 years has gone by so quickly. This has been a great place to call “home”.”
USD 343 is glad that Mr. Armstrong made PLHS his home for so many years, and we wish him good health and a happy retirement, we look forward to seeing him at events at PLHS.