Written By: Anna Martin

Chris Tabeling, a former ThunderRidge High School principal from 2015-2018, battled stage 4 colon cancer. Mr. Tabeling was very dedicated to this school throughout his chemotherapy treatments and never failed to make TRHS a number one priority. The school came together and created, “CRUSH IT!” illustrating his attitude in planning to crush his cancer. Mr. Tabeling is known for creating the saying, “Once a Grizzly, Always a Grizzly.” While Mr. Tabeling was going through his battle, a few students and staff were also facing family members battling cancer. This became a great support system for all of these people enduring such difficult times. Unfortunately, he lost his battle March 4, 2018. In gratitude for Mr. Tabeling’s life and sacrifice, they sought to honor him in the 2019 yearbook. It was filled with oranges as a way to remember his “CRUSH IT!” motto and demonstrate how powerful Mr. Tabeling was and still is. Everytime a student or staff picks up the yearbook or participates in Orange Crush day, they will remember Chris Tabeling as not only a prior principal of ThunderRidge High School, but as a man who was committed to keep his school thriving even throughout such difficult times. Overall, Mr. Tabeling will always be remembered for having compassion for the students and staff at ThunderRidge High School. As he once said,

 “Once a Grizzly, Always a Grizzly”- Chris Tabeling