Mr. B: A Senior Reflects

Justin Lazo Senior Staff Writer Mr. B: A Senior Reflects

Mr. Chuck Ballingall was many things to the Damien community: a mentor, devoted Catholic, sports wiz, and simply just a great friend. He served students and the community for 36 years. His impact can be felt all around campus, whether it was his input on the new lunch area by the chapel or even the classroom you’re in (as he was in charge of the master schedule). His mission was to evenly separate the classes and keep a low students to teacher ratio in each class. He wanted students to learn in a more personal environment where teachers could easily aid their students when necessary.

As much as Mr. Ballingall cared about his students, he cared about his fellow colleagues. Mr. Coray, who debatably was the closest to Mr. Ballingall, had quite a lot to say about him. “Chuck and I would often discuss most things over dinner. We would talk about students past and present and how they are doing. He was our link to all our Damien grads for the last 35 years. The thing that I most admired about Chuck was that if there was a job that needed to be done, that nobody wanted to do, he was the guy to do it.

Chuck cared very deeply about his students, whether you were an athlete or a studious individual. He was like my other brother, my right hand man. We motivated each other, laughed together, cried together, and grew together. He will be missed dearly.” Mr. Patton added, “The effect he had on students was powerful beyond any measure. Nothing gave him more happiness than to hear about his past students’ success.”

Mr. Ballingall was simply a pioneer of this learning institution. You cannot throw a rock at Damien High School without expecting it to land on something to do with Mr. Ballingall. As much as he will be missed, his legacy will live on forever. It is our jobs as students to be the perfect representations of Mr. Ballingall, a true Damien Spartan: caring for everyone around us, being invested in our education as much as our teachers are, and ultimately living the word of God as faith-based men. This is what Mr. Ballingall taught and instilled in his students. This is how his legacy lives on.