Koch perseveres, retires as Amherst High dean of students
by PATRICK J. NAGY Reporter

Jack Koch

The motto for Jack Koch's 35-year career at Amherst Central can be described as never giving up.

A late bloomer to college, Koch started taking night classes at Medaille College at age 42 while working at Amherst High School as a teacher's aide and study hall monitor. He received an undergraduate degree in elementary education four years later in 1995.

Koch was named Amherst High dean of students in 1999 on a three-year probationary period and given the title in 2002 after receiving his master's in administration from Canisius College.

Koch, who retired on June 30, said his story is a message he uses to motivate many students.

"I tell them it's never too late," said Koch, who will be succeeded by Jack Pidgeon. "The only person stopping you is you."

As high school dean of students, Koch is responsible for school attendance and discipline. He also polices the school grounds and deals with residency issues.

"It really has given me the opportunity to mingle with all kinds of kids, not just the ones who are in trouble," said Koch.

One of those former students was Roger Mazikowski, who was working in sales before taking Koch's advice and going back to college where he received a degree in social studies. Mazikowski

substitute taught at the high school before obtaining a job in the middle school's learning center. Sadly, after only two years, Mazikowski passed away from leukemia.

"I was glad he took my advice," said Koch. "It made me feel good. How I knew he should become a teacher was always a standing joke between us."

Koch has been assisted by Duke McGuire and Becky Chirico- Hager. Chirico-Hager is finishing up a degree in administration.

Working at Amherst enabled Koch to meet his future wife, Pam, a school counselor who is also retiring. Koch said Pam was the big reason why he went to college.

"It's been nice over the years," said Koch. "I had lunch with my wife every day."

Leaving Amherst wasn't tough for Koch until he was given a service award by the high school student council at an awards assembly. The award presentation was followed by a three-minute standing ovation by the student body.

"I'm supposed to be the bad guy, and they almost had me crying on stage," said Koch. "It was very touching."

Koch said he was amazed by how many students have come through his door to say goodbye. He's also gotten e-mails from alums as far away as California.

"I've often tried to figure out why Amherst is a great place and I think it's the way people are treated here," said Koch. "Kids don't have to start homeroom until 7:50 a.m., and at 7:15 a.m., there are teachers that have full rooms with kids who want to come in and learn."

Koch will miss students and colleagues but wants to make the public aware that the district is a good place to attend.

"We've had some bad press lately (two female students were arrested on May 29)," said Koch, adding, "When you have a building of 1,000 kids and two of them disrupt it, it gives the other 998 a black eye. I wouldn't want to give anyone the impression that this is a bad place."

Koch also thanked the community for their support and is proud of the relationship the district has with the Amherst Police Department.

In retirement, the Koches will fish a lot on Lake Ontario, and Jack will read a lot of Larry Mc- Murtry's books about the Old West.

e-mail: pnagy@beenews.com