Evergreen High School socialsStudies teacher Scott Haebe reacts while conferring with a student after school about a World War I history assignment. Haebe is also the school’s head boy’s basketball coach.
The Jeffco Schools Foundation has honored heroes in Jeffco Public Schools for the past 13 years. This long-standing tradition recognizes outstanding teachers and high school seniors who demonstrate extraordinary character, leadership, and strength. Students and teachers are nominated by their principals, and the final honorees are chosen by a volunteer selection committee comprised of community representatives and the Jeffco Schools Foundation Board members. Meet 2015 honoree Scott Haebe.
Evergreen High School Health Science and Biology teacher Ali Meyers could think of one person to nominate for this year’s Jeffco Hero Awards. Nestled in the largest classroom at Evergreen is Scott Haebe’s class. Meyers sat there herself as a student of Haebe’s. To this day, he is her hero and her inspiration.
“When we first read the criteria about being an inspiration, he was the first person that came to my mind,” said Meyers. “In my nomination, I started running out of room with all the different examples I could give of him being an inspiration, whether it be inspiring kids in their career path, or inspiring kids to go play college sports, or just inspiring kids to show up to class.”
Haebe is well-recognized at Evergreen as far more than a social studies teacher and head boys basketball coach. Lauren Mattern, a senior at Evergreen, credits Haebe for his kind heart and commitment to his students, no matter their academic level.
“You come into class and he’s just so passionate, and that makes you all excited to get the day started,” said Mattern. “He is always there for you as well. It stretches far beyond the classroom. He is just a great person all around and is always looking out for you.”
After 24 years at Evergreen, Haebe continues to motivate students to reach their highest potential. The learning experience, however, goes both ways.
“To me, it’s great because every year is different,” said Haebe. “You’ve got new kids for your team, you’ve got new kids in class. You’re always adding and taking away things that you like and things that didn’t really work so well. You’ve got to reinvent what you’re doing and redefine what you’re doing and kind of adjust to the times.”
According to Meyers, the environment in Haebe’s classroom is always fresh, and students are always engaged during class. Even notetaking is a gratifying experience, according to Haebe’s students. Notetaking strategy is emphasized in the beginning of every school year to prepare students for the learning environment they will face in college.
“Scott’s the type of guy that will say ‘give me every single kid that wants to come into the doors and I will take them in and I will make sure that they learn’,” said Ryan Alsup, Evergreen High School Principal. “They learn a lot in his class and they don’t always realize it because it’s a fun place to be.”
As a result of Haebe’s open door policy, he now teaches the largest class in the school.
Three years ago, tragedy struck. Haebe’s son suffered a traumatic brain injury. The outpouring of support on behalf of the Haebe family was a testament to his impact not only on his students and fellow faculty members, but to the outward community.
“It was unbelievable,” said Meyers. “I had people contacting me saying ‘what can I do to help Mr. Haebe?’ because he has helped them so much in their lives.”
The support and prayers Haebe received from the community during his son’s recovery is still felt by the family today. To be nominated and chosen for one of this year’s Jeffco Hero Awards is yet another thing for which Haebe is thankful.
“Ali was a student of mine,” he said. “To have someone that you’ve known since they were 13 or 14 to come up and recognize you and want to nominate you for an award like this… when that kind of thing happens, it feels fantastic.”
See the JPS-TV version of this story here.