“A good year to go out”

Fichtner reflects on final days at Milford

Posted

Milford High School science instructor Tim Fichtner recalls visiting Milford for the first time in 1983, prior to accepting a position he'd hold for his entire professional career.

Recently graduated with a teaching degree from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and looking to obtain his first teaching job, Fichtner traveled to Milford for an interview. What he saw not only attracted him to the position, but showed it could be a good fit for the longterm.

“What we saw from the community, and as our oldest girl got to school age, we saw how great the school was,” he said. “I noticed we had a lot of teachers that had been here a long time that were career people here and that told me a lot about how great of a school system that was.”

Fichtner said at the time, he didn't think that Milford would be a permanent landing spot but fast forward 38 years, and it became exactly that. Fichtner earlier in the year announced that he will retire at the end of this school year.

With just a few days left in his career, Fichtner said he's cherishing the moment and reflecting on a career dedicated to educating Milford's youth.

“I made that decision a month ago and now it's coming to a close, now it's getting real,” he said. “What's hard is cleaning up my room after 38 years. You start going through some stuff...and you remember. You sit and read these things and it brings back great memories.”

Many of those memories that come rushing back center around student achievement in the classroom and on the athletic field. As a teacher, a coach of various sports and active with the Key Club, Fichtner said he's been able to be a part of some of the proudest parts of students' young lives.

“I've had so many great experiences and moments,” he said. “When you see the kids graduate, that's a milestone and you only have a few milestone days in your life. When you see kids get their diploma and have that smile on their faces, that's what makes it all worthwhile.”

Fichtner said the decision to retire wasn't overly difficult. He said he felt the time was right and more importantly, knew he ended his career on a high note helping students navigate the difficult terrain of the COVID-19 pandemic. Fichtner felt this year reflected why he stayed at Milford as long as he has and showed that the school is in good hands after he leaves.

“You could be negative or positive and I've always tried to make a negative a positive,” he said. “What's made this year so special is to see that the kids are in school and everyone has worked realy hard to make that happen. It feels good to see that and you just can't top what we did to make it happen.

“This was a great year to go out.”

Fichtner said he's confident in his decision to retire but the dwindling days of his career have been bittersweet. Current students have expressed sadness he won't teach them next year and former pupils from years prior have shared memories and smiles. He said the reality hasn't fully hit him yet, but knows that the coming days and months will remind him he's at the end of his professional teaching career.

“I call it happy-sad,” he said. “When that first day of school comes and I'm not there, that's when I think it'll really hit me because everything else will be the same until then. When fall comes and everyone is getting ready for school...that's when I think I'll miss it.”

To fill his newly found spare time, Fichtner said he plans visit his grandchildren and attend their school activities. Fishing and hunting will get more time, too, he said. He also plans to continue to work part-time at Thornridge Golf Course and hopes to substitute teach when he's eligible.

In the meantime, Fichtner said he plans to reflect on his career, enjoy the final moments and appreciate the fact he's been able to inspire and lead thousands of students throughout their high school careers.

“You don't realize how big of an impact we have on kids,” he said. “I always ask the kids who won the Super Bowl last year and no one remembers, or who won the Academy Award and no one remembers, but if you ask who was their third grade teacher, they remember it instantly.

“You have a big impact on their lives. It's a big responsibility and sometimes we forget about that.”