Yellow Bricks and Ruby Slippers
May 22, 2008
For the past 13 years, Kent Rogers
has provided Yellow Bricks for the foundation of high school
athletics and education for hundreds of students in his "Emerald
City", Rock Creek Junior/Senior High School. Like the Cyclone
in the Wizard of Oz, he has taken a whirlwind approach to his
position as Assistant Principal and Athletic Director. Yet
his control of that energy earned universal respect in and out of
the junior high and high school realms.
The Rock Creek students-- and there were a
few Munchkins along the way-- have always been his priority.
Mr. Rogers tactfully guided them down the Yellow Brick Road,
teaching them to be successful on the athletic field as well as in
the classroom.
If you have seen a Man Behind the Curtain
making things happen almost like magic, it could be the Wizard, but
more likely it's Mr. Rogers. Of course, he plays many roles.
Like the well oiled Tin Man, he applies the lubrication of
planning and attention to detail so athletic events are "squeak
free." Rock Creek patrons have been amazed by the Heart he
and his associates demonstrated as they hosted many events beyond a
school's normal schedule. Like the Scarecrow, he has always
had the Brains to run the events with efficiency, fairness and a
height of professionalism.
His devotion, and yes even sacrifice, have
developed opportunities for Dorothy and all her Rock Creek friends
to discover their talents and follow their Dreams.
Of course along the way, Mr. Rogers has
had to walk through a Field of Deadly Poppies. Although
saddled with some health issues that made him feel like he was Not
in Kansas Anymore, these never prevented him from giving 110%, as
is his standard. Certainly not "Cowardly", he showed a Lion's
Courage to maintain his health and seek healing, no matter what the
Crystal Ball handed him.
And who is the Wicked Witch of the West?
There is no one. Kent Rogers is revered by family,
co-workers, teachers, coaches, students, patrons and friends.
These loyal subjects can only think of words like
"excellence, dedication, devotion, professional" and "friend."
Maybe Glinda, the Witch of the North, tapped this "Wizard"
with her scepter to help give him these qualities. Or maybe
he simply had them all along.
From listening to all the Auntie Em's to
dealing with ToTo and the like at the FFA Barnyard, if ever a
Wonderful Wizard there was, Mr. Rogers is one because he's been a
problem solver for Rock Creek Junior/Senior High School.
With the talents of a Wizard unsurpassed in all of Oz, he
will be truly missed and practically irreplaceable when he climbs
into that Gondola.
We know this is really Kansas, but you,
Mr. Rogers, helped make it a Land of Ahs, and we wish you the best
in your retirement years. You with the Brains, Heart and
Courage can always call this home away from home. But your
Heart will lead you to your Dream, your priority, your family.
You will be blessed and surrounded by them in those days of
relaxation and well-earned rest. Kick back, put on your
slippers-- you might see if you can find some in a Ruby Red color--
or just imagine the color and tap them together in your mind.
You'll be with us Somewhere Over the Rainbow thinking of all
the wonderful things you have been a part of in Rock Creek USD
323.
Thanks, Mr. Rogers! (We will all
miss you!)
