The AHS Flock of Four

By Alanna Wilson and Olivia Havens | Senior Staff Writers

December 8, 2023

Picture this: you’re in a family of four who all wake up each day, and then proceed to go to the same building for school/work. Well, for the Stanyard family, this has been a reality at Anderson High School for the past three years. Mrs. Stanyard is the Assistant Principal at AHS, Mr. Stanyard is a photography teacher and the football offensive line coach, Bobby Stanyard is a senior at Anderson, and Alex Stanyard is a junior. 

“It’s amazing because most parents can not say they can spend most of their day with their kids,” Mrs. Stanyard said. 

It is unique and highly unlikely to experience such a scenario. Most people would dislike it, as they want their time away from family, but the Stanyards embrace every second they get to walk the same halls together. 

“My favorite part is having them understand what is happening at school,” Bobby said. 

Mr. and Mrs. Stanyard get first-hand experience of what teenagers encounter in high school, let alone their own children. They appreciate this aspect because as parents, they are better able to recognize when the kids may be struggling and needing help. 

As Bobby approaches his final semester at AHS, and Alex soon to follow, going into his senior year next school year, the Stanyards want to leave their mark. 

“I want us to be known for how much we put into the school like the time. My mom goes to all the games and my dad, even when he is not coaching, he’ll go to help out and watch all the games,” Bobby said. 

Not only are the Stanyards known for being great people, but they also give the underclassmen a moral compass to follow during their four years at Anderson High School. The Stanyards put so much hard work and dedication into this school. Both Bobby and Alex participate in AHS football, Mr. Stanyard is an O-line coach, and Mrs. Stanyard not only supports her boys each Friday, but also makes sure the student section and each student at AHS games is safe and respectful. Inside school hours, Mr. and Mrs. Stanyard are all over the school: in photography, Mr. Stanyard is making sure each of his students is learning how to get the perfect angle and perfect shot. Mrs. Stanyard not only makes sure her student body is safe at the games after school, but she also makes sure students are being safe in school, on top of getting each student ready for graduation and to be successful. 

“I want us to be known for being decent humans, having a good moral compass but not giving in, and just generally being a kind human to others," Mrs. Stanyard said.