Pat Winchester Retires
Pat Winchester is retiring from PLHS after 28 years in education, 17 of those at PLHS. He previously worked at Jeff West High School, Ark City High School, Lawrence Gardner High School as well as the Topeka Juvenile Correctional Facility. Pat is married to his wife Angela and has three daughters, Briana, Caitlyn, and Danielle.
In retirement, Pat is looking forward to traveling and is excited to not having to participate in the daily grind that is education. He will miss the relationships with students, peer teachers, administrators, and community members.
When asked if he had a farewell message to the PLHS community he replied with this quote from Sylvester Stallone as Rocky Balboa.
“Let me tell you something you already know. The world ain’t all sunshine and rainbows. It’s a very mean and nasty place and I don’t care how tough you are it will beat you to your knees and keep you there permanently if you let it. You, me, or nobody is gonna hit as hard as life. But it ain’t about how hard ya hit. It’s about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward. How much you can take and keep moving forward. That’s how winning is done! Now if you know what you’re worth then go out and get what you’re worth. But ya gotta be willing to take the hits, and not pointing fingers saying you ain’t where you wanna be because of him, or her, or anybody! You’re better than that!"
Pat says he has really enjoyed his time in USD 343 Perry-Lecompton Schools. He is proud that two of his three daughters went here. “I'll always fondly remember my time as being pleasant and well spent. Go KAWS!”
Thank you Pat, and best wishes for safe travels and good health.