Beloved teacher departs to Lincoln

The influence a teacher can have on a student has the ability to be magical. Many students have felt that literature teacher Eric Sayre has had a significant impact on their lives.

“Mr. Sayre is someone who feels so passionately about his job and each and every one of his students,” senior Audrey McCann said. “He works tirelessly to help us improve and grow as individuals. He has made me a better person because of his teaching.”

This upcoming August, Sayre will not be returning to Westside. He will be continuing his teaching career at Lincoln East High School, as him and his family will be moving to Lincoln. They will be moving to support his wife’s younger sister who is battling cancer.

“Over winter break my wife and I started having a conversation about moving,” Sayre said. “We thought the odds were really long, Lincoln is a hard school to get a job in, and getting a job I would enjoy.”

After an interview, Sayre was offered a teaching position at Lincoln East to instruct AP Literature, AP Composition and Sophomore Honors English.

Sayre’s final decision to leave Westside was not easy for him to make.

“I lost a lot of sleep and did a lot of soul searching, and it took about a week before I accepted the job and I had to be let out of my contract here,” Sayre said. “It is crazy fast how it is all changing. It is very bittersweet.”

Many members of the Westside community will miss his presence at the high school.

“The passion that he brings, I don’t know that I have worked with another teacher who is so invested in not only literature but working with students as he is,” english teacher Stephanie Pueppka said.

Sayre will miss being a part of the Westside community, but he knows that this is the decision best for his family.

“Westside has been a great home and I don’t think I would be the teacher I am today without all of the guidance and the wonderful teachers around me that push me everyday and always want me to be the best I can be,” Sayre said. “Working with these amazing teachers and students has inspired me everyday, but at the same time our family needs us in Lincoln.”