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Current Issue Links
Retiring teachers honored by Mesquite
Dan Clark and Peggy Spraker, both of whom will retire at the end of this school year, were honored for
longtime service to Mesquite High School. The presentation took place during Thursday’s meeting of the
Sierra Sands Unified School District Board of Education.
Spraker retires after 36 years of leading Mesquite’s popular culinary arts program. In addition to being
highly sought-after caterers for high-profile events in town, Spraker’s students also won numerous awards at
the People’s Choice ROP competition in Bakersfield. The program has won 10 gold medals and three silver
medals under Spraker’s direction.
“It has been a real journey — I am so glad I was able to take the trip,” said Spraker.
She said she will miss everyone at Mesquite, but she is glad she had the opportunity to work with them. In
addition to leading the culinary arts program, she was also involved in the associated student body and prom
committees.
longtime service to Mesquite High School. The presentation took place during Thursday’s meeting of the
Sierra Sands Unified School District Board of Education.
Spraker retires after 36 years of leading Mesquite’s popular culinary arts program. In addition to being
highly sought-after caterers for high-profile events in town, Spraker’s students also won numerous awards at
the People’s Choice ROP competition in Bakersfield. The program has won 10 gold medals and three silver
medals under Spraker’s direction.
“It has been a real journey — I am so glad I was able to take the trip,” said Spraker.
She said she will miss everyone at Mesquite, but she is glad she had the opportunity to work with them. In
addition to leading the culinary arts program, she was also involved in the associated student body and prom
committees.
By REBECCA NEIPP
News Review Staff Writer
News Review Staff Writer
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Taking the kids to competitions in Bakersfield is one of the highlights of her career, she said. “I was glad
to show them that they can succeed. I think they are all a success.”
“Tiny seeds grow into trees, their roots so strong and secure. The seeds you have planted in each mind
will prosper and endure,” read the tribute produced by student Jason Lentz.
During Clark’s 25 years at Mesquite, he has taught government, economics, history, conflict resolution,
peer mediation and physical education.
He pointed out that as a teacher in a continuation school, he had to create relationships with students
before he could teach them. “I will miss that interchange. In fact as I transition out, I think that will be the thing I
miss the most.”
Clark also praised the staff and faculty of Mesquite and pointed to the school’s recent designation by the
state as a model school.
“That has been the high point for me.
“I always thought we had a model faculty and a model approach to students. But it was just a dream until
we had that validated by the state.”
Lentz’ presentation praised Clark as a team player, leader, listener, referee and friend.
“He will always be a hero to all the young men and women who have been lucky enough to walk into Dan
Clark’s life and have the chance to have their lives changed by a man with such a great soul.”
Principal Ingrid Larsen thanked the two teachers for their time and dedication at Mesquite. “You don’t
realize the impact their retirement will have on our school.”
to show them that they can succeed. I think they are all a success.”
“Tiny seeds grow into trees, their roots so strong and secure. The seeds you have planted in each mind
will prosper and endure,” read the tribute produced by student Jason Lentz.
During Clark’s 25 years at Mesquite, he has taught government, economics, history, conflict resolution,
peer mediation and physical education.
He pointed out that as a teacher in a continuation school, he had to create relationships with students
before he could teach them. “I will miss that interchange. In fact as I transition out, I think that will be the thing I
miss the most.”
Clark also praised the staff and faculty of Mesquite and pointed to the school’s recent designation by the
state as a model school.
“That has been the high point for me.
“I always thought we had a model faculty and a model approach to students. But it was just a dream until
we had that validated by the state.”
Lentz’ presentation praised Clark as a team player, leader, listener, referee and friend.
“He will always be a hero to all the young men and women who have been lucky enough to walk into Dan
Clark’s life and have the chance to have their lives changed by a man with such a great soul.”
Principal Ingrid Larsen thanked the two teachers for their time and dedication at Mesquite. “You don’t
realize the impact their retirement will have on our school.”
Retiring teachers Dan Clark and Peggy Spraker get ready to say goodbye to the school they love.
| Photo by Laura Austin |
