NHS students return as teachers, staff and coaches

Niwot High School and its students would not shine as brightly without its wonderful staff. In a remarkable testament to the tight-knit community at the school, several former students of Niwot High School have returned and are now current staff members.

For many of these educators, the hallways, classrooms, and even the old gymnasium hold a special kind of nostalgia. Leah (Sareceni) Messinger, current school counselor at NHS, recalls her time as a NHS student. "I was so excited to return to a place that was such a significant part of my growth and world growing up," Messinger said.

Messinger, who graduated from Niwot in 2010 and married her high school sweetheart, Niwot High grad Connor Messinger, in 2018, reflects on how her time at the school influenced her career choice. She said, "There's nothing that beats the Niwot community and our students and staff. I truly feel that we offer the very best academically, athletically, in the arts, music, theater, clubs, and beyond."

Returning as staff members, these alumni also bring a unique perspective to their roles. Coach Walker Bounds, currently the head boys basketball coach at NHS and a Niwot High athlete during his time as a student, uses his experience to guide the team. He knows what it's like to be a student athlete and to be closely involved in the Niwot community. "I grew up in Niwot, went to NHS, played at NHS, and my family still lives here as well," Bounds said. "Niwot High School is a very special place with an amazing staff and administration that is backed by a supportive community."

Coach Bounds's history with the school and the sports team makes his guidance resonate with his students.

David Ross, a NHS English teacher, says he was "fortunate to receive a tremendous education at Niwot High School" and that he chose to return because "as we like to say in these parts, 'It's a great day to be a Cougar.'"

Niwot has many other staff members who have returned since their time as NHS students, including Heather (Johnson) Rumrey (office secretary), Coach Ella Thramann (girls swimming Head Coach), and La'mar West (Campus Supervisor).

The presence of alumni among the staff reinforces a strong sense of community and commitment within Niwot High School, demonstrating to students and parents alike that the school is not just a place of learning, but a lifelong community and part of each student's identity forever, no matter the path they choose for their future.