With seven years of teaching at Rock Ridge under his belt, marketing teacher Ben Stodola will be leaving the Rock and move into the technical education field in a neighboring county. However, this isn’t how he expected the end of the year to go. “I had no intention to leave [when the year started],” Stodola said. “I also didn’t realize an opportunity like this would [exist then].” 

Junior Ruth Gemechu, Vice President of Member Achievement on the DECA leadership team, a program in which Stodola is a prominent leader, believes his presence will be greatly missed. “When he told us he was leaving, I was really sad,” Gemechu said. “Whenever I asked him questions, he always responded with kindness and never made me feel like I was bothering him, no matter what the questions were about. He’s a great mentor.”

Stodola has earned many achievements over his time at Rock Ridge, like Marketing Teacher of the Year, and has solidified his place. “His encouragement and quick-thinking skills is what makes him a great teacher, and he’ll be missed by everyone in DECA,” Gemechu said.

Stodola’s transition to his new job won’t be easy. “We told our leadership team for DECA last Friday, and it was really tough, because my favorite aspect of teaching is working with kids,” Stodola said. “I hate grading, I hate some of that other stuff, [but not working with kids] is the hardest part.” Though nervous about leaving, Stodola believes that what he’s doing will be beneficial for his family. “The staff here is awesome, so having to meet new co-workers [will be tough,]” Stodola said.  “I’m leaving a very strong and positive environment to try something that’ll hopefully be good for me and my family, so it’s a little terrifying.”

The DECA team and larger Rock Ridge community wish Stodola the best of luck in his new position.