In Memory of Lisa Koehler
EDITORIAL BOARD | OCT. 30, 2021 | OPINIONS
On Sept. 22, first period was progressing as usual. When the intercom sounded, students expected the typical morning announcements. However, once Principal Majova-Seane asked us all to take an extra moment of silence, the entire school realized something was terribly wrong. After a deep breath, she announced the unthinkable: Ms. Lisa Koehler, a beloved Stanton College Preparatory School teacher, had passed away the night before due to a heart attack.
Beloved by both her students and her colleagues, Ms. Koehler was a bright spot at Stanton. Over the course of her 20-year career as a history teacher and club sponsor at Stanton, she valued the mental health of each of her students and made sure everyone felt comfortable and encouraged. She made every effort to create a safe space where everyone felt loved. In listening to and getting to know each one of her students, Ms. Koehler was able to guide them through difficult times and help them reach their fullest potential. She emphasized that an effort to learn was what mattered, not being right all the time.
Even the students who were enrolled in Ms. Koehler’s Duval Homeroom class last school year have many fond memories of her. She would encourage students to speak up or ask questions during class time. Ms. Koehler also made sure every student had the chance to message her or talk to her individually. Despite being relegated to learning online, she fostered a genuine connection between herself and each student.
Ms. Koehler was also a very supportive teacher. During the incidents involving the dress code that arose throughout the first month of the school year, she made it clear she was on the side of the students. Ms. Koehler was sympathetic to the dress code complaints and protests of the students; she just wanted everyone to be comfortable in their own skin. Despite the risk of overstepping the rules of professional conduct, Ms. Koheler still prioritized the well-being of her students by showing her solidarity.
As a result of her openness, students felt comfortable expressing themselves to her. As the longtime sponsor of the Gender Sexuality Alliance club, Ms. Koehler was very supportive of people’s pronouns, gender identity, and sexual orientation. For some queer students, she was a trusted person with whom they could confide in and be open.
Not only was Ms. Koehler a caring person, but she was also a highly effective teacher. Those students who have had her class describe her as knowledgeable and engaging. She spoke eloquently about the subject matter during her lectures, and her outgoing personality never failed to captivate her students’ attention. She also had fun and unique quirks: she would take off her shoes and sit criss crossed on a stool to teach during lectures.
Ms. Koehler was known for her signature look: a long skirt, cardigan, and flip-flops. Her iconic look was a staple of the school. Students demonstrated what Ms. Koehler meant to them when a student-organized movement called Cardigan Friday requested students and faculty wear a cardigan in remembrance of Ms. Koehler. Students in all grades, along with teachers and administration, showed how much Ms. Koehler made an impact on their time at Stanton as many came to school draped in her favorite attire.
Stanton’s community of students, teachers, support staff, and administration will miss Ms. Koehler’s presence. Her passing leaves the school with an insurmountable void. She brought knowledge, passion, and care to our school. Teachers of Ms. Koehler’s caliber, dedication, and effect are not easy to find. Ms. Koehler will always be in our hearts. Her spirit will never be forgotten. We all will miss her.