At the end of the school year, one staff member, JAG-K Career Specialist Johnny Matlock, is planning on retiring and leaving Hays High.

Matlock currently teaches JAG-K, and before that, he was the director of Chorale, Concert Choir and Chamber Singers.

“Johnny Matlock has taught me to be great at anything I do,” senior Zach Chance said. “He has been a mentor and an inspiration to me, and I am so glad that I have had him, not only as a teacher, but also as a friend. He has taught me to be kind and respectful to everyone and to put my best work in everything I do.”

Matlock has impacted Hays High in many ways, and it has reflected on the students he has taught. While he taught choir classes, his students took away many lessons.

“Mr. Matlock has taught me how to sing better,” junior Stanna Flinn said, “along with just performing better and more professionally.”

Sophomore Devlyn Jochum agreed with Flinn.

“I have learned great singing techniques from him,” Jochum said. “He always teaches with a contagious smile.”

23mtippy@usd489.com