After teaching math in a calm and warm environment and running both the chess club and Far Away Friends, it’s time for David Purcell to say goodbye to Dakota Ridge and hello to Columbine.
Q: Why are you going to Columbine?
A: Well, my son goes there, my daughter is going to go there, and y’know, it’s close to home. So, I’m excited to be in the community — part of the school that’s in the community I live in.
Q: How long have you been teaching at DRHS?
A: This is my fifth year. I’ve been here since COVID, and my first year was remote. I was a teacher here, but at home. I’ve been in this room for four years, long enough to see Daniel (chess club president)… turn out to be a half master.
Q: Could you see yourself going to any other school in the future?
A: It’s interesting, cause that’s a conversation I had with Mrs. Keller (DRHS Principal)… because of how much I love and belong with the students and have a relationship with the students here, there’d be no other school that I would even look at except for Columbine.
Q: What do you hope is accomplished in your clubs (Chess and Go and Far Away Friends) after you leave?
A: Luckily, Mr. Simmons is going to take over Far Away Friends, and the kids really like him. Nobody in the club knows him, but I know a lot of the freshmen know him and like him. I’ve worked with him and feel very confident and assured that he’s the right person to take it over. I don’t think anyone is gonna take over Chess and Go… but maybe they’ll hire some new people and someone will take it over.
Q: What are you going to miss the most about Dakota Ridge?
A: The students. That’s the hardest part. It’s been a really wonderful experience and relationship with the students. So that part is gonna be hard.
