Claremore Public Schools (CPS) Alternative Learning (AL) Alumni gathered to honor the late Mr. Bruce Rogers, a longtime CPS teacher, and the legacy he created during his time as a teacher. Rogers dedicated his career as an AL teacher, now Claremore Learning Center, at CPS for 20 years of his 23-year teaching career. During that time, he made a lasting impact on the students who were fortunate to have him.
As a testament to that bond, former Claremore High School students gathered to pay tribute to his selfless life and the difference he made in their education and personal lives. CPS administrators, Claremore Learning Center staff, students, and the family of Mr. Rogers gathered to pay respects and honor their friend, companion, teacher, and confidant.
CLC alumni shared their own educational and personal testimonies and how Mr. Rogers gave them the tools and encouragement to succeed. Many former AL students have now become business owners or are climbing the workforce ladder. They credit their success to Mr. Rogers's encouragement and dedication to their education.
Annabell Kishenger, a former student and owner of Meraki Wellness and Spa, went from dreading school to looking forward to showing up every day because of the learning environment CLC teachers provided. She recalled, "If I needed some comfort, I would go to Mr. Rogers's class - and give him a hard time. He always reminded students to act right and would tell them that they do not know how good they have it." Providing a gentle reminder that education is an opportunity and the key to a successful future.
Anderson Long shared, "Bruce was amazing; he was a great teacher, and if it weren't for him and Christy Province, I wouldn't have a high school diploma." Not only did Long get his high school diploma, but he now runs his own welding and fabricating business, Anderson's Fabricating & Welding.
Wyatt Harrington, the owner of Ralph's Mini Island Golf, also shared fond memories and the lasting lessons Mr. Rogers taught him. He provided him with the resources to succeed in and out of the classroom.
Aaron Gillette, Supervisor at Viking Packing and a Wildlife Conservationist, looks back on his time at the CLC "Looking back 6 or 7 years ago, I would not see myself doing what I am doing, but Mr. Rogers and the teachers at CLC made it possible for me."
Mr. Rogers helped turn around many students' lives while leaving them with memorable traits and methods, equipping them for the trials and triumphs that come with life. One of these methods included the love and therapeutic benefits of fishing.
Often, Mr. Rogers shared his hobby and would take students fishing to teach them patience, keep them out of trouble, or give them a positive space to think. To honor him, they chose to memorize his beloved hobby by doing what he would have done… give back. The students partnered with Nabatak and Zebco to secure donations of fishing poles, tackle boxes, and funds to provide current CLC students with fishing licenses, and then they went fishing. It was a full-circle moment for the alumni, family, teachers, and current students standing on the bank casting a line at Claremore Lake.
An emotional day filled with memories, mementos, and inspiration for a new generation. Jon Gordon once said, "The best legacy you could leave is not some building that is named after you or a piece of jewelry but a world that has been impacted and touched by your presence, joy, and positive actions." Every teacher starts their career to make a lifelong impact on the students they cross paths with, and Mr. Rogers was an exemplary man in living out such a legacy.
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