After thirty-two years at Aspen High School, we must say a teary goodbye to English teacher and mentor Andy Popinchalk. It is not every day that you meet someone as passionate, as motivated, and as caring as this man. Whether you have gotten to know him while snowshoeing in the Tetons, listening to his soothing voice on the morning announcements, or had the privilege of having him in the classroom as a teacher, each student knows just how influential and special he truly is. AHS will be a different place next year without that friendly smile in the hallway and presence of such a devoted person.

Popinchalk started off his career as an English teacher at a private school in Connecticut and then he received the opportunity to be the one teacher at a ranch school in Winnemucca, Nevada. Although the school did not end up coming together, it was that summer when Popinchalk came to Aspen on vacation.

“A good friend of mine said ‘hey, there’s a position open at the high school, would you want to fill in for a year?’ and I said, ‘yeah’!” Popinchalk said.

It was in October of 1983 when Popinchalk began to build his long legacy at AHS. Joining him that same year, and staying together right up until the end was AHS Social Studies teacher Kirk Gregory.

“That guy…I don’t think I would have survived here without him. He is one of those people that gives you perspective and really helps you figure things out—deal with people that are not very nice,” Popinkchalk said.

Gregory was definitely a factor, but what truly kept Popinchalk at AHS were the students. His care and appreciation for students’ success are second to none. This certainly does not go unnoticed by his students, and is a direct reflection on his teaching.

“You can tell that Mr. P is one of those teachers that really loves what he does. He is passionate about what he teaches and puts so much effort into making us the best English students we can be,” senior Harry Ferguson said. “But I think what everyone loves about Mr. P is how much he cares about who we are outside the classroom. He is one of the most approachable and down to earth teachers I have ever had and I am so thankful I got the chance to be his student before he leaves. He made me a better student, a better person, and will be extremely missed at AHS.”

As for next year, Popinchalk plans on spending it with his wife, Carolyn. They have invested in a camper and are planning on taking it cross-country. Not only will they be exploring different parts of the country, but also spending quality time with their family—something that was more scarce in the past.

“The first trip we are taking is to the Redwoods in California (Carolyn has never been there before), and then we will probably go to the East Coast to visit my family on the farm I grew up,” Popinchalk said. “But most importantly, just be together—it is such a gift. I would also like to take some of the writing I have done in the years and put it in some form that I could pass down to my kids. I will do photography and maybe even get into water coloring. And even just be here, be home, and be still.”

Popinchalk reflects so positively on his experience at AHS and the impact that the students have had on him. He will carry some amazing memories with him on the exciting journey he has ahead.

“There is such an appreciation among students here for their lives, for their connections to each other, and for what teachers do. I think that is the gift of being in this school as a teacher—you get to work with these wonderful young people,” Popinchalk said.

Not only has AHS changed immensely throughout the thirty-two years, but Mr. P and his teaching style as well.

“I used to be much more strict with kids, but I learned very quickly that if you are good to people or go out of your way to understand a person’s perspective, then it is going to be a lot more successful. I think I can still be demanding, but I don’t take it personally anymore,” Popinchalk said.

So many of Popinchalk’s past students are still in contact with him, and have held on to the bond they once had with him as their teacher and role model.

“I am hearing from a lot of them who have heard that I am retiring. What a gift to hear from these people that were here twenty-five and thirty years ago. And on top of that, having taught parents of students I have currently,” Popinchalk said.

Popinchalk’s name will forever be a part of AHS’ legacy. The past thirty-two years would not have been the same without him, and AHS would be a different place today without his grace. There is no one else that could both better brighten up a bad day while being the most amazing teacher.

“The dominant feeling I have of leaving here is gratitude. To have gotten to be in this place,” Popinchalk said.