Biology teacher Bill Forster retired from teaching at the end of the first quarter after four years at JC. He stayed until Nov. 5 to help his replacement, Kyle Leppert, class of ’03, get acclimated and make the appropriate transition. According to Forster, he retired due to health problems that “made it difficult to stay on [his] feet.”

“I’m going to miss my colleagues and students,” Forster said. “The students were enthusiastic, cooperative, and a pleasure to teach. It’s been a wonderful experience.”

Forster went on to say that his departure was not because of his students. “[My leaving] certainly has nothing to do with the students … it’s because of my health problems,” Forster said.

Leppert described his transition from assistant men’s varsity lacrosse coach to a full-time faculty member as “fast.” He has been coaching with English teacher Matthew Blair, who originally told him about the opening after Forster announced his retirement to the faculty and staff.

According to Leppert, he has “been teaching part-time at CCBC [Community College of Baltimore County], but looking for full-time work.” There, Leppert taught Lifetime Fitness and Health and Wellness, and while he has never taught biology before, he is not fazed.

“Luckily, there’s a lot of support from the rest of the faculty. Having a personal experience at JC as a student has made [the transition] much easier,” Leppert said.

“I’m so upset,” junior Emily Waite said, in regards to Forster’s leaving. “He was the best teacher. He was relaxed, but I always managed to get stuff done.”

Martha Schick is the Multimedia Chief for the Patriot and jpatriot.com