Staff reflect on Dr. Mitchell’s time as principal

Principal Jeremy Mitchell has decided that it is time to pack up his colored pens, shut off his walkie talkie and move on to the next chapter of his life with his family. From participating in the Senior vs. Staff Basketball Game to bantering about Fantasy Football to showing off his cowboy boots during homecoming week, there are many memories staff want to share with Mitchell. 

Athletics Director Brian Kessler has been friends with Mitchell for over twelve years. Kessler was working at West before Mitchell was hired and encouraged him to apply for the position as principal. 

“He’s been my boss for longer than anybody. I felt kind of lost [when I heard he was retiring],” Athletics Director Brain Kessler said. “I didn’t know what I was going to do next, and I still feel that way. He’s meant a lot to me, and I couldn’t have asked for anyone better to work for.” 

Assistant Principal Kate Piffel has closely worked with Mitchell for eight years. However, she believes it’s the little things like his dad jokes that she will miss the most.

“He likes to act like a grandpa to the rest of us, but he is only a year older than me, and we call him out on that all the time,” Piffel said. “When we would have our team meetings on Monday mornings, I always appreciated the sports talk about the weekend games and fantasy football. He and I like to throw political jabs at each other, but it truly was all in [good] fun.”

Several other teachers shared memories, thank you’s and farewell messages for Dr. Mitchell. To hear more about them, watch Dr. Mitchell’s farewell message from the staff.