From Inspired to Inspiring: Brand new face whole new changes.
By: Alexis Clements
This year Louisville welcomed a brand new art teacher by the name of Kassidy Oliver, known as Miss Oliver to her students. This is Oliver's first year teaching but definitely not her first year in the art department.
“Ive always loved art because my mom was an art teacher, so I looked up to her,” Oliver explained.
Art has brought people together for centuries in little ways and in big ways. Though she looks up to her mother, she never initially wanted to go into the art field. It wasn't until she was in high school that it had changed.
“ When I was younger I never wanted to go into the field, seeing my mom do it made it seem boring, but once I hit high school, my world changed, and my mind expanded,” she said.
When in high school, Oliver loved art and expressing how she felt when painting, drawing and making pottery.
Oliver went into the art field she attended UNK, majoring in art education and wanted to express her love for art by teaching it to others. When she accomplished her degree she applied at Louisville and Oliver described the phone call with principal Soester as something that was unbelievable. The thrill of being able to teach what she loves most to her students brings a smile to her face. “ It's what gets me out of bed most mornings…” later saying “just seeing the joy of my students makes it all worth it.”
When the first day of school came Oliver was overwhelmed with all of the support she had received, and slowly over time became close with her students. One of those students being freshman Kayci Wetterberg. “We play all forms of Wordle during Pride Time and even feeds me breakfast every morning,” said Wetterberg. “We have a bond that most don’t have, but she gives love and kindness to all.”
Though that's not anything new with Oliver. A lot of students need a safe space and Oliver has become that safe space by providing a welcoming environment and judgment free zones.
Wetterberg later went on to say she’s one of the best things to happen in Louisville. Saying her interest to advance the curriculum for her students shows how hardworking and committed she is.
Oliver has been working with the head of Louisville to add more courses in art for those who have already advanced and those who want to start. She described it as a lot of time and talking but things are starting to go her way, getting more classes to add and advance for the students who are ready for that. Though Oliver has only been here for a year she's made a lifetime supply of changes.