Long-time Vienna science teacher honored at VHS senior assembly

By Laura Schiermeier, Staff Writer
Posted 5/18/22

VIENNA — A long serving, well liked and much appreciated science teacher at Vienna High School was honored at the beginning of the VHS Class of 2022 Awards and Scholarship Program last Friday …

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Long-time Vienna science teacher honored at VHS senior assembly

Posted

VIENNA — A long serving, well liked and much appreciated science teacher at Vienna High School was honored at the beginning of the VHS Class of 2022 Awards and Scholarship Program last Friday at Allen Gymnasium. 

John Kinkead, who has been a teacher at Maries R-1 for 22 years and who has worked 40 years in education, is retiring at the end of this school year. 

Being honored by the school and its student body was a surprise for Kinkead, who once announced, walked into the gym wearing a t-shirt that said, “Talk Nerdy to Me.”

R-1 Elementary teacher Rachel Johnson was emotional when she gave a brief presentation about Kinkead, whom she used to carpool with when she lived in Rolla. Johnson said the school is “losing an important member of its staff.” 

As well as being an outstanding science teacher, Kinkead also is a talented author and artist. He frequently would email drawings, poems and stories about life and the seasons and many topics to his fellow teachers. With the help of Kinkead’s daughter, Jennifer, Johnson was able to organize 100 original works and pictures in a book. She said now Kinkead can add published author to his list of accomplishments. The book, of which 150 were printed, is titled, “A Collection of Observations and Musings.” Johnson also gave Kinkead a pen to use to autograph copies of his book. 

Kinkead took the microphone and teased, saying, “It’s about time I got some recognition.” He asked those present who had taken his classes to stand. There were many people standing. He said, “I hope it changed you and helped you along the way. I hope you remember your old science teacher. Thank you.