Affton High School fine arts teacher celebrates 60 years of educating

AFFTON, Mo. (First Alert 4) - Over the course of six decades, one fine arts teacher has shared her ion with thousands of students. Judy Rethwisch is being honored for the work she has done both on and off the stage to help countless generations.

Every Tuesday and Thursday evening inside the auditorium at Affton High School, Judy Rethwisch can be found in the same spot where she was 60 years ago, leading the way as the fine arts coordinator.

“Judy is a legend,” said Angie Sykora, president of the Affton Education Foundation.

Her journey started at a young age.

“I would put on all kinds of plays, and I always loved doing that,” Rethwisch said.

Her ion grew into a fulfilling career, thanks in part to a college professor.

“That teacher told me, ‘You are going to be a speech and drama teacher,’ and I said, ‘I’m not even sure I like high school teachers.’ She said, ‘That is what you’re going to do,’ and she started opening doors for me,” Rethwisch recalled.

Rethwisch spent one year teaching at Glasgow High School before coming to Affton.

“My goal is to know each student and help them discover their talent. Every student has talent,” she said.

For Judy, whether it’s Bye Bye Birdie, Hello Dolly, or any of the 118 other shows she has produced, it’s the opportunity to see her students’ growth that keeps her going.

In her 60 years of teaching, she has made an impact on both the past and present.

“She is incredible and cares so much about every student, every alumni, and every production. She puts her whole heart into everything,” said Hope Daugherty, alumna and theater assistant manager.

“I could not live without theater personally,” said Taylor Martin, a senior at Affton High School.

Martin said Mrs. R is more than just a teacher.

“Mrs. R has helped me throughout everything I’ve done here and everything I do outside of here. She is definitely one of the biggest parts of my life,” he said.

Beyond the stage, Judy is known for her efforts to teachers and graduating seniors through the Affton Education Foundation.

“As of this year, we have awarded nearly a million dollars in college scholarships and close to $500,000 in teacher grants,” said Sykora.

“To me, this is what America is all about. We have to keep ing our schools. We have to keep ing our children,” Rethwisch said.

From the unforgettable performances to the lasting memories, for many, she is the true star of the show.

“I think she will have an impact on this community for a very, very long time,” said Daugherty.

“No matter what, without Mrs. R, a stepping stone would be skipped,” said Martin.

Rethwisch will be honored at the 20th Annual Affton Education Foundation Gala. This year’s event will celebrate her achievements and the work she has done in the community.

Tickets for the gala are still available. For more information, visit the foundation’s website.

Over the course of six decades, one fine arts teacher has shared her ion with thousands of students. Judy Rethwisch is being honored for the work she as done on and off stage to help the many generations to come.

Every Tuesday and Thursday evenings inside the auditorium at Affton High School, Judy Rethwisch is in the same spot where one might find her 60 years ago. She’s leading the way as the fine arts coordinator at the high school.

“Judy is a legend,” said Angie Sykora, president of Affton Education Foundation.

It was a journey that started at a young age.

“I would put on all kinds of plays and I always loved doing that,” Rethwisch said.

And it’s a ion that grew into more than she could have imagined thanks to a college professor.

“That teacher told me you are going to be a speech and drama teacher and I said ‘I am not even sure I like high school teachers’ and she said ‘that is what you are going to do’ and she started opening doors,” she said.

Rethwisch spent one year teaching at Glasgow High School before coming to Affton.

“My goal is to know each student and to let them use that talent. Every student has talent,” she said.

For Judy, whether it’s ‘Bye Bye Birdie,’ ‘Hello Dolly,’ or the other 118 shows she has put on, it’s seeing the minds of her students take shape that keeps her going.

In her 60 years of teaching, she has left a mark on the past and present.

“She is just incredible and she cares so much about every student, every alumni, every production she puts her whole heart into,” said Hope Daugherty, alumna and theater assistant manager.

“I could not live without theater personally,” said Taylor Martin, senior at Affton High School.

Martin said Mrs. R is more than just a teacher.

“Mrs. R has definitely helped me throughout everything that I have done here, everything I do outside of here. She is definitely one of the biggest parts of my life,” he said.

Beyond the stage, Judy is known for her efforts to teachers and graduating seniors through the Affton Education Foundation.

“As of this year we have given away nearly a million dollars in college scholarships and close to 500,000 dollars in teacher grants,” said Sykora.

“To me this is what America is all about. We have to keep ing our schools. We have to keep ing our children,” Rethwisch said.

So from the unforgettable performances to the unforgettable memories, for many she is the star of the show.

“I think she will have an impact on this community for a very, very long time,” said Daugherty.

“No matter what without Mrs. R, the stepping stone, a step would be skipped,” said Martin.

Rethwisch will be honored at the 20th Annual Affton Education Foundation Gala. This years event is to celebrate all the achievements of Rethwisch and the work that she has done in the community.

Tickets for the gala are still available. You can find more information on the foundation’s website.

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