Kaitlyn Argue
EMS Press
Traverse City East MS
1st Place
MS Division, News Writing
Human Interest Feature
During the spring of 2013, science teacher Vern Wolfgram was diagnosed with a brain tumor, later discovered to be brain cancer. He was then informed that his time was limited. Wolfgram worked in TCAPS as a science teacher for 21 years. Even after his diagnosis, he continued to teach. He left in January 2014 only because he felt he was lacking the spark he always had in him while teaching.
Wolfgram was a father. A husband. A beloved teacher. But more importantly, to many of us he was a friend, a good one.
“For him it wasn’t so much about the math, science, or the history. It was about how we treated each other,” math teacher Marybeth Schmitt said. “He was the most caring, compassionate, understanding person I knew.”
On July 18, 2014, Mr.Wolfgram’s time was up. He lost the fight to cancer, and we lost an exemplary teacher, role model, and friend. East Middle School was fortunate to have known such an amazing man with a great spirit.
“He helped bring East together like a family. He always had a positive outlook and worked to make things better,” special education teacher Tillie Redmond said.
Ellie Burnside ‘19 had Wolfgram for science last year.
“His strength was being positive and always being connected to his students,” she said. “Even when he felt his worst, he always put his students before him. If I could see him one more time, I would thank him for everything. Honestly, he gave me the best seventh grade experience.”
The students and staff here at East are forever going to be affected by Wolfgram’s absence. Not only because of his friendliness, but because of his work ethic. He wasn’t just another science teacher. He was more than that. He was always finding ways to improve our learning experiences, and he never stopped trying. Even through the pain of his illness, he stayed here at East to ensure our happiness, until it was no longer an option.
Teaching was Wolfgram’s life passion, second to his family. He has two sons Mckenzie and Austin Wolfgram. Mckenzie is currently a sophomore enrolled in the University of Michigan and Austin is a senior attending Central High School.
Vern Wolfgram may not physically be here, but he’ll always be in our hearts and memories. He is a legacy we will never forget.