THE END OF AN ERA

PHS Activities Director Mr. McKenzie and math teacher Mrs. McKenzie are set to retire from their education careers after three decades

Nathan Feller, Senior Executive Editor|February 17, 2023

Photo Courtesy of Mr. McKenzie

Mr. and Mrs. McKenzie pause for a quick photo with their dog during a summer camping trip.

Come the end of the 2022-23 school year, PHS will be saying their final goodbye to two esteemed and respected members of the Panther family.

Activities Director Mr. Scott McKenzie and his wife Mrs. Cathy McKenzie, a math teacher at PHS, plan to bring their respective education careers to a close, and begin the next chapter of their lives: retirement. 

The McKenzies have been a part of the Powell teaching community for around three decades, educating hundreds of students during their time with Park County School District No.1. 

“This is the only place I’ve ever worked,” Mr. McKenzie said. “So I don’t know any worse or any better. But I think [Powell] is amazing. I’ve never dreaded coming to work for 33 years.”

Mr. McKenzie spent 27 years teaching English and the last six as the dean of students, instructional facilitator and activities director.

“Mr. McKenzie has been a great supporter throughout my years of high school,” senior Lannon Brazelton said. “Even as a senior, he helps and supports me.”

After thirty years as a fourth grade teacher at Parkside Elementary school, Mrs. McKenzie accepted a position as a PHS math teacher three years ago.

“Teaching at the high school has been super fun,” Mrs. McKenzie said. “It’s fun to get to know the older students, and I love being able to take part in all the activities. But I’m going to miss the other teachers and all the students, and just being a Panther.”

Many of Mrs. McKenzie’s students feel they have a good connection with their math teacher.

“She is [the] teacher I [chose] for teacher appreciation [day],” said senior Drew Valdez. “She kicked me out of class one day when I didn’t think she would. I knew from that day on she was my favorite teacher and one I could always count on to keep myself and others in check [if we misbehave].”

Although many of Mrs. McKenzie’s students will be sad to see her go, they respect her decision.

“I’d like to tell her that she’s very well spoken,” sophomore Jadelyn Ward said. “I hope she enjoys retirement because she deserves it.”

However, the McKenzie’s do not plan to have a stereotypical quiet retirement.

“I have a bucket list,” Mr. McKenzie said. “I want to be a beet truck driver. I plan to get my CDL, and potentially come back and drive the Panther bus around the state.”

The McKenzie’s also plan to visit new destinations, and spend time with their daughters.

“Make the most of high school,” Mr. McKenzie said. “What you put into it is what you’ll always get out of it. It’ll go by fast, and someday you may wish you’re still in high school again. Take pride in PHS, take pride in the Panthers and always represent your school the best you can.”