A pair of popular teachers have announced plans to retire from Point Loma High School.

With diverse backgrounds, Kathy Schulze, an engineering and design teacher, and Dave Aros, a long-time mathematics teacher, and revered coach, will end their careers this week.

KATHY SCHULZE

Schulze (above) has devoted 22 years to her career. She began by starting the Engineering Academy at Patrick Henry High School in Del Cerro where she served for 17 years.

Moving to Point Loma High School eight years ago, Schulze has relished the time spent on her second campus. In fact, she changed her career plans after she became a Pointer.

“I’ve really enjoyed working at this school,” Schulze said as her students finished the details of a final project. “I’d actually planned to retire about five years ago, but I’ve had so much fun here at Point Loma that I’ve stayed on.”

The engineering classes at PLHS were begun during the principalship of Hans Becker. Several classrooms are now devoted to the growing department. Schulze noted the curriculum for her engineering courses are provided by a group called “Project Lead the Way.” Students can receive college credits for the courses she teaches.

What does she have planned for her retirement years?

“What don’t I?” Schulze said with a laugh. “Traveling, gardening, hiking” are some, but perhaps Schulze’s greatest plans? “I’m going to be a grandmother,” she said with a twinkle in her eye.

DAVE AROS

Aros is one of few educators who spent an entire career – 40 years – at the same school teaching mathematics while also coaching thousands of basketball and football athletes through hundreds of games. And those he encountered remember him with affection. Accolades for Aros have been pouring in from a huge group of former students and athletes.

A thoughtful man who shuns the spotlight, Aros reminisced about his greatest memories at PLHS.

He recalled being a young college student who knew very little about teaching and coaching but was blessed to be mentored by Bennie Edens, “Punky” Fristrom, Lee Trepanier, and members of the math department, all of whom played huge roles in Aros’ career.

Aros’ first coaching experience was with the legendary Trepanier, both boys and girls basketball.

“My degree was in physical education,” Aros said, “But people said I needed to be employable so I went back and finished a couple of math classes including calculus, and passed the national exam to teach math.” His first teaching job at PLHS was “about 1985” Aros remembers.

Aros and Edens ate lunch together almost daily after Edens retired, and Aros recited something Edens frequently told him. “Never forget. You have the best job at the best place in the world.”

“And he wasn’t off the mark,” Aros declared. “This place has been one of complete fulfillment from a teaching standpoint, from a coaching standpoint. Everything I have really comes from this school.”

Both of Aros’ sons graduated from PLHS. Mark is a teacher who lives in Orange County with his wife and son Josh, also married, and is the head basketball coach at PLHS while finishing his teaching credential.

Aros’ future plans?

“We have one grandchild and one more on the way,” Aros said, “And we’re hoping for more. My wife and I truly love gardening and we have two puppy dogs we have to watch, but just being home with my wife is a comfortable thing for me. But I do have an exercise plan, some things I want to do to the house and I want to become more involved in our church.”

Aros does plan to continue as an assistant varsity basketball coach with his son Josh.