Brandon Twp.- Larry Warner’s final written statement to Brandon High School was simple, ‘After 33 years I believe I have accrued enough credits to finally graduate from Brandon.?
While his last words were rather brief, his career and contributions to the school where monumental.
Warner, 54, announced on Monday he’ll retire at the end of the school year.
‘When I called Brandon schools for directions in 1972 they told me to take M-15 south from I-69 until I get to the A&W restaurant,? laughed Warner. ‘The Vietnam war was winding down and they were laying off chemists with Ph.D.’s at Dow (chemical company) ‘so I figured I’d teach. And if I’d ever get tired of teaching I’d go into counseling. That was more than 30 years ago and I’m still not tired of teaching.?
A Flint native and a 1968 Flint Northwestern High school graduate he earned a bachelor’s of arts in science and chemistry from the University of Michigan’Flint in 1972. He completed a master’s of arts in guidance and counseling from the University of Michigan’Ann Arbor in 1976.
Following a short student-teaching stint at Flint Powers Catholic High School he began his career at Brandon High School in 1972.
‘We have good kids here’I still love meeting 150 new people each fall,? he said. ‘The kids haven’t really changed through the years’they still look for a safe environment and want structure’they may not admit it, but they do.?
Warner says very often children of former students are now in his chemistry class.
‘Student sometimes come to class and say, ‘My dad says you haven’t changed a bit,?? laughs Warner. ‘I guess maybe I haven’t.?
Warner’s contribution to Brandon High School also included serving as assistant varsity football coach, assistant junior varsity football coach and junior varsity head football coach. He’s also credited with starting the Brandon wrestling team which he’s coached for two years. Warner also coached high school baseball for 18 years.
‘The greatest compliment students give me is when they come back to see me after graduation’many even invite me to their weddings,? said Warner. ‘When they say thank you for preparing them for college chemistry’it makes my job complete.?
‘I’ve had students who are now medical doctors and have earned Ph.D.’s and one that’s even a forensic expert with the F.B.I.?
Former student and current Brandon School Board trustee Cris Yuchasz says the school will miss Warner.
‘He was popular from day one,? said Yuchasz, a student in 1975. ‘He was in on every joke and an easygoing teacher, he got along with everyone, jocks, band members, whoever they were, no matter what, the kids got along with him.?
Warner says his plans for retirement include working at his18-hole golf course in Millington, Mich. purchased about seven years ago.
‘Even though it’s the end of my teaching career, I still get excited about teaching,? said Warner. It never changed.?