Makayla Piotrowski has taken on the role of agriculture (AG) teacher after the former teacher, Matt Crutcher, retired at Fair Grove High School.
Piotrowski has been involved in AG all of her life and it influenced her decision on becoming a teacher. She said, “I became an AG teacher because I was fortunate to go through an amazing AG program myself, was heavily involved in FFA and showing and that inspired me to teach the next generation of leaders and agriculturalists.”
Randie Roepke, the Fair Grove High School Principal, stated that Piotrowski has stepped into a difficult role of replacing a long standing position that had been filled by the old AG teacher Crutcher.
Crutcher has left behind a legacy in the time that he has worked at Fair Grove. Roepke said that Piotrowski has honored his legacy while bringing her own vision and energy to lead the AG and FFA (Future Farmers of America) into the future.
Piotrowski has been teaching AG for four years. She came from Mount Vernon and decided to start teaching at Fair Grove. Piotrowski said, “I decided to work at Fair Grove because my husband and I live in Fair Grove so it is closer to home, also I had heard about the great AG Program they had.”
Roepke stated that there are two main parts of hiring new teachers; they carefully review resumes and conduct interviews. The final choice of whether or not to hire is left up to a committee who determine if they are a best fit for the school.
Piotrowski was able to stand out among other candidates. Roepke said, “Her ability to balance respect for tradition with forward-thinking leadership is what makes her stand out.”
Piotrowski has made an impact on some of her students already. The A+ student for Piotrowski, Quincy Williams (12), said, “Mrs. Piotrowski has impacted her students in so many ways! She is such an awesome teacher and is always so patient and understanding with her students.”
Roepke stated that Piotrowski has truly embraced what it means to be an Eagle. He continued that she is student centered, constantly fighting for the Fair Grove culture, and is willing to do whatever it takes to support Fair Grove.
Piotrowski has some new goals coming to a new school. She said, “My goal is to get to know my new students and coworkers as well as what makes Fair Grove such a great place. I also have the goal to do the best possible job that I can each day. I am hoping to live out the motto ‘Rooted in Legacy, Growing toward the future’”
