Mr. Meetze and Mr.Warchocki

For the October Edition Teacher Spotlight, I wanted to focus on two teachers I had during my freshman year at Kenmore West: Mr. Meeze and Mr. Warchoki.  Both of these teachers' hard work and dedication to our school environment never go unnoticed. Both of these teachers have given me so much inspiration. Their classes were the highlight of my day. 

Starting off with Mr. Meeze, he went to Orchard Park High School and graduated in 1993. His favorite classes were Social Studies, Canadian Studies, Home Ec, and Business just to name a few. Meetze’s favorite teacher was Mr. Frederick who taught Global 10. Meetze mentions how Mr. Fredrick really engaged him in social studies, made him question his own beliefs, and challenged him. Meetze would be so fascinated by this class he would stay after looking into encyclopedias to dig deeper. Meezte attended Hannibal College and got a job straight out of college.  Meetze is a very well-rounded teacher but strictly teaches history courses such as AP World, WW2, and Government, and he also coordinates Link Crew Leadership.  

Meezte states how every day is so unique yet still always finds it enjoyable. He truly has a passion for teaching, coaching, and setting students up for success. Even as a kid, Meetze says he found coaching and educating people to help them succeed was his true passion in life; that's when he knew in his heart he was destined to become a teacher. While Meetze works with kids in and out of the classroom, he hopes they can learn skills to become greater people and has hope for the next generation. Mr. Meetze finds so much joy when students come back to say “hello,” tell stories, and mention that the skills Meetze taught were used in their lives. Outside of school, Meetze stays active by coaching students who play basketball, going on walks, working out, watching the Bills and college basketball with his own kids, and even cooking.

Meetze gave me the skill sets and knowledge to use not only in the classroom but most importantly outside of school. Meezte inspired me to become a better writer, dive deeper into history, and even question my own beliefs. Coming out of Meetze’s class every day I would tell all my friends the stories and interesting truths about history. Meetze strongly lives by two quotes. One states  A goal without a plan is not a goal - it’s a wish” (Herm Edwards). An additional quote Meetze follows is “Get out of your comfort zone.”  These quotes are symbolic quotes that can be applied in our everyday lives. Meetze expresses Kenmore West to be a school rich in tradition with a caring faculty and a vibrant student body. He recommends that students not be intimidated or overwhelmed with extracurriculars but that they should become involved; Kenmore West can fully set up students for success outside of the building.

In addition to this teacher spotlight, I want to shine some light on Mr. Warchocki. Some readers may not know him since he’s fairly new but when you hear his name you should think of SPRING SLAM. Warchoki went to Iroquois High School and graduated in 2013. In high school, he loved computer-aided design and drafting. Mr. Gastel, who was a choir director, was his favorite teacher because he was very inclusive, charismatic, and motivating. Mr. Warchoki wanted to be just like him. He started teaching in 2021; he focuses on business courses such as Intro to Business, Business Math, Business Ownership, and Sports Entertainment & Marketing. Warchoki mentions how every day may be a challenge yet seeing the students truly drives him to teach. Warchoki encourages students to take his class so they can learn a life skill, business, and he wants to be a part of their support system.

Warchoki went to Buffalo State to finish his Master's Degree. He stated, “Getting through school was extremely tough but I'm happy it’s over so I can focus fully on students.” Going to Buffalo State he took teaching classes and they felt so fitting and he knew he wanted to become a teacher. Outside of school he coordinates the KW Business Club, plays video games, and goes to Bills and Sabers games. 

A quote he lives by is, “Skills are cheap, passion is priceless” (Gary Vaynerchuck). To expand on this Warchocki mentions having the skills is good yet having true passion helps you to succeed beyond measure. Without passion, there are no efforts made.

 Business class gave me the confidence to adult. Just to name a few things, it taught me how to build on my resume, make applications, network, figure out college, and connect with other students. Truly I could continue to ramble about these two teachers, I’m beyond thankful they have given me the opportunities to excel and become the best student I can be.