Tom Alexander to retire from Manson School District after 38 years

MANSON - How do you properly thank someone who has given their entire working life to an organization? Manson School District will be faced with answering this question in June as Mr. Tom Alexander will be retiring at the end of the school year after 38 years of teaching and coaching all with Manson School District.

Mr. “A”, as he is referred to, has taught over 50 different subjects to Manson students at almost every grade level in his years with the district including: PE, Health, Science, Social Studies, Math and Language Arts covering just about every subject that can be taught.

Not only has Tom taught these many subjects, but he has done so while serving as athletic director (20 years), coaching multiple sports such as baseball (24 years), football (18 years), girls and boys basketball (14 years) and cross county (3 years) at both the middle and high school level.  Mr. A even refereed all the middle school home games for all sports for over10 years.

Tom has touched over 1,000 lives in his tenure with the Manson School District and left lasting impressions on many students and athletes. He has served as a mentor to dozens of educators and worked with countless parents and community members to provide that “extra” support a child might need. For many years Mr. A was the first to arrive at school and the last to lock up the gate after a late game or event.

Manson High School teacher Brad Soliday shared, “Tom’s loyalty and devotion to Manson’s school and community has been extraordinary.  I can’t imagine that if you could add up the hours this man has spent working for students and athletes in Manson, over 38 years, anyone could rival his accumulated devotion. He has truly been a pillar of our school. I could not have asked for a better colleague or friend for the past 22 years. Thanks Tom.

As his longtime friend/co-worker and co-coach remarked…  “Tom has been such a positive influence on hundreds or even thousands of students in the past 38 years. He has the ability to bring out the best in all students and athletes and the example he sets has helped shape the character of all the lives he touches.  I have been lucky enough to share Tom’s journey at Manson High School for 37 years and he has also affected my life and my family in so many positive ways.  I have been blessed to share many laughs and tears along the way.  He is a brother to me and I am so thankful to be his friend.  Joe Teague (Retired Manson Counselor/Coach)

Congratulations on your retirement Tom and best of luck on your next adventure!