Student Jeffery Whittington and other volunteers banded together on July 25 to finish a bench by Lake Wegrzyn, in memory of science teacher Mike Wegrzyn, who passed away June 6, 2014.

“He was a science teacher. I had him for two years in biology and AP Environmental Science,” Whittington said.

After Wegrzyn passed away, Whittington wanted to find a way to honor him, but had trouble finding a good idea, until Principal Darrell Echols suggested the idea of building a commemorative bench.

“When I was thinking of ideas, I actually talked to Dr. Echols, and he suggested making a bench and a plaque as a memorial for Mr. Wegrzyn. Since I had him for two years, I thought it was a great idea, and he was one of my favorite teachers, so it was perfect,” Whittington said.

Whittington and Echols were not alone in building the bench, as multiple volunteers helped in the building and decorating the bench.

“There was a lot of help. Dr. Echols and 15 people came [from my church], and a lot of people donated from [church],” Whittington said.

The bench is located south of the softball fields, next to the pond where Wegrzyn would take his students to explore the environment, now dedicated as “Lake Wegrzyn”.

Wegrzyn is remembered by the Mustang community for teaching science, coaching the girls’ lacrosse team, and being a positive influence for students.

By Prashant Shankar

Online Writer