School Community Rallies For Mr. K

SEBRING - Don't be surprised if you see more shaved heads than usual in Highlands County schools. It's all for a good cause.

Five principals and teachers wanted to show support for Kindergarten Learning Center Dean "Mr. K" Rick Kogelschatz who has cancer.

So they decided to shear their locks.

Kogelschatz had a kidney transplant about 1½ years ago. During the summer he was treated for testicular cancer, which spread to a lung for which he is currently receiving chemotherapy.

His fellow faculty and students from three schools, who've been associated with him as a teacher and dean, have tried to bolster Kogelschatz's spirits.

Those who want bald for Kogelschatz include: Kindergarten Learning Center Principal Andrew Lethbridge, Hill-Gustat Middle School Principal Chris Doty, Hill-Gustat Middle Dean Adam Smehyl and Cracker Trail Elementary teachers Aaron Lewis and Ian Belanger.

"He's just a wonderful person," Lethbridge said Monday. "He just lifts up the morale of everyone around him. Even when he's going through trials, he's just a wonderful testimony for Christ. He's really an example for all of us."

Belanger said it's a great character lesson for the students who are learning what its like helping other people and being part of a caring community.

"We've been doing these little mini pep rallies and gathering things up for his family," he said.

"Get well soon," banners and cards greeted Kogelschatz during a short visit to the school Wednesday.

Monday, Kogelschatz was still emotional about the warm response.

"I think the support has just been awesome. It's great what the guys have done. Each one of them has just been a blessing.

"It's been beyond words. I'm really humbled."

Kogelschatz is cheery about his prognosis. Doctors have said his cancer has a 90 to 95 percent cure rate at this time.

His goal is to get better so he can spend more time with his wife and their children and then get back to work.