Once people graduate from high school, a lot of them say they want to leave their hometown and move somewhere else. For Art Teacher Chris Jones, it is different.
Jones graduated from PHS in 1990, then went to Indiana University (Bloomington) from 1990-1994 and majored in Art Education. While students are in high school they make lots of memories, and Jones’s involves his career now.
“My favorite memories of high school are probably my art classes with Mrs. Alder and also basketball games with friends,” said Jones.
Although people have really good memories during high school, when they look back, they find something they regret. For Jones, he regrets caring too much about what other people think, and wishes he would have tried doing more sports and clubs. A big lesson Jones learned while in high school at PHS is the value of good character, hard work and standing by your word.
During anytime in life, people find something they wish they could go back and change. For Jones, if he could go back to high school, he would step outside of his comfort zone a little more.
“I was always more of a wall-flower; afraid to speak up and afraid of what others might say,” said Jones.
Throughout life, people find many things they are proud of. The accomplishments Jones is most proud of are the ones he see in his kids. Both his students and his own children. Jones gets a lot of kids who go out and do a lot of great things after high school, related and unrelated to the arts. Jones loves to see his kids working toward a goal. When he sees some of his former students who are good people, spouses and parents, people who are working hard to make the world a better place, he feels truly happy inside.
“When I get a note or text from a former student to say, ‘thank you…’ that is a truly incredible feeling,” said Jones.
Jones teaches nine different classes here at PHS. Paoli offers Art 1 and 2 for the junior high students. Jones also teaches Drawing 1 and 2, Studio Pre-Ap Drawing, Studio AP Drawing, Ceramics, and Sculpture and Visual Communications for the high school students.
“I love working with kids. I love getting to know the kids of our community. I get the opportunity to have some kids for many years in a row. Watching them grow as people and develop their talents is one of the greatest joys of my life, and I’m honored that I have that opportunity,” said Jones.
Jones’s favorite thing about life outside of PHS is his family. Jones’s parents are healthy and live here in Paoli, so he is able to see them anytime he wants.
“My wife, Kate, is my best friend and the hardest working woman I’ve ever met. She’s also a fantastic mother to our three kids, Isaiah, Caleb and Hannah. Our kids make me proud that I’m their dad. They work hard, they’re talented and intelligent, but most of all, they care about others,” said Jones.
High school is temporary; therefore, Jones believes one should take it seriously and work hard. However, the problems one is facing doesn’t define them.
PHS is a very special place to Jones. He has spent 28 years, as a student and teacher, at Paoli High School. Jones believes depending on what a student puts their time into while at PHS, it could become a special place for them too.
Story by Avery Owens
