Three teachers joined the high school staff this school year, PE teacher Shelly Hodges, science teacher Jason Ollison and school suspension supervisor Paul W. Thomas bring their own particular talents.

Coach Shelly Hodges is one of the three new teachers welcomed into the Warsaw staff this fall. Hodges, from Stover, teaches physical education and is the volleyball coach.

Q: Describe your family.

A:  My family is most important to me. That’s why I consider my volleyball girls as an extension to my family. I have two kids. They both got married this summer. My daughter, Candace, will be 25 and she is in her second year of teaching and coaching at Eldon. My Son is 21 and graduated from Missouri Southern and is now attending law school at Mizzou. My Mom is also an angel on earth to me. She will be 85 in November and she helps keep me together.

Q: How long have you been teaching?

A: 27 years

Q: Where did you start your teaching career?

A: My first teaching job was in Stover. I taught there for 14 years.

Q: What made you want to become a teacher?

A: A lot of my teachers and coaches inspired me and influenced me,  so I want to do the same for others.

Q: What is your biggest pet peeve?

A: Laziness and not trying your hardest.

Q: What are your hobbies?

A:   I love to be outside and spend time with my friends and family. I make jewelry out of dried flowers and I have a bracelet from when my Dad passed away from his funeral, it’s a great memory.

Q: What has been the best thing about coming to WHS?

A: Everybody was so welcoming, and the volleyball girls have just been and extension of my family and we all just clicked really well.

Q: What is your favorite movie and book?

A: My favorite actress is Sandra Bullock. So any movie she is in I love! One of my other favorite movies would be “The American President.” When I get the chance to read I like Danielle Steele.

Jason Ollison is the new science teacher, football, basketball, and baseball coach. He is from Green Ridge.

Q: Describe your family.

A:  My wife, Jessica, and I have been married for 16 years.  She is the junior high volleyball coach at Green Ridge High School.  We have four children, Maris Rose is 12, Tyrus McGwire is nine, Harmon Jackson is five, and Maddux Ruth is two.

Q: How long have you been teaching?

A: 14 years

Q: What are your hobbies?

A:  In my spare time, I like to play slow pitch softball and watch my kids compete.  I try to spend as much time as I can with friends and family when I am not working.  

Q: Where did you start your teaching career?

A: Saint Elizabeth Missouri high school for eight years.

Q: What made you want to become a teacher?

A: I had a lot of teachers inspiring me, so I enjoy paying it forward.

Q: What is your biggest pet peeve?

A: Kids who don’t appreciate their education.

Q: What is your favorite movie and book?

A:  I enjoy reading non fiction books about athletes and coaches that inspire me to be a better coach. As far as movies go, I enjoy comedies and sports movies. “Hoosiers” is one of my all time favorites. “Major League” and “Blazing Saddles” are a couple of my favorite comedies.

Q: What has been the best thing about coming to WHS?

A:I enjoy the people that I work with, they made me feel very welcomed and at home.

Paul W. Thomas is the new assistant football coach from Marshall. He is coaching alongside his dad and head coach Paul Thomas.

Q: Describe your family.

A:  My dad is the head football coach here and I have one sister, Lauren.

Q: What are your hobbies?

A: I enjoy fishing and being outdoors.

Q: Where did you start your teaching career?

A: Missouri Valley College coaching there for five years.

Q: What is your biggest pet peeve?

A: Laziness

Q: Do you have any pets?

A: My family has three dogs. Lilly, Austin and Allie.

Q: What has been the best thing about coming to WHS?

A: I get to coach with my dad.

Q: What is your favorite movie?

A: I’m big-time Kevin Costner fan, so I would say either “For the Love of the Game” or “The Guardian.”