‘Definitely the life of the party:’ Redmond High remembering beloved, well-known agriculture teacher Lance Hill
(Update: adding comments from RHS staff and students)
REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Redmond High School is honoring the life and legacy of beloved agricultural teacher and Future Farmers of America advisor Lance Hill, who passed away from cancer on the day after Christmas.
There was a moment of silence for Hill at the school's assembly Wednesday, followed by a moment of loudness.
Redmond High Principal Audrey Haugan said, "I could just see him cringing that we were doing a moment of silence for him, because he was never quiet. And so the moment of being loud and just remembering him in the way that he was, is more fitting."
RHS teacher Kendyl Smith, who collaborated closely with Hill in the school's Agricultural Department, says they were a great balance for one another.
"Mr. Hill was definitely the life the party, and I was definitely more like his secretary behind the scenes," Smith said.
Many staff members say he was known for his vibrant personality.
Haugan said, "He's the person who would do a dance-off if you asked him to. Or he's the guy dancing down the hallway to his next class."
Dean of Students Kris Davis attended Redmond High with Hill, and the two remained close friends throughout the years.
"It was a joy to get to know him," Davis said. "He wanted kids to have fun and enjoy their experience here, at the expense of him maybe looking like a fool every once in a while."
Some of the students shared their favorite memories.
Redmond FFA Chapter President, Brooke Geotzinger said, "During one of our trips, Mr. Hill was having really bad back pains, and we went into one of our advisor's rooms and he laid on the floor, and we were all just in there having a moment. And he's cracking up on the floor, and we were just messing around."
The school plans to keep their "Lights on for Lance" over the next few days. Every window at RHS will have lights on in celebration of Hill, and counselors will be available for any students or staff who might need support.
Lance Hill's Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday at 1 p.m. at the Deschutes County Fairgrounds First Interstate Center.
