After a lifetime dedicated to mathematics, Rolla High School math teachers Michael Hill and Cara Hanlin are stepping into retirement. Their dedicated careers have left a lasting, impactful imprint on our school’s history.
Hanlin has served the Rolla Public Schools for 17 years, including nine dedicated years at RHS.
“I really enjoyed working with the students, getting to know them, working with my co-workers. I had some great co-workers. Just yesterday, I said, ‘Hey, does anybody have a fan?’ And I had, like, eight offers,” Hanlin said.
Hanlin has great determination for planning future personal activities after retiring.
“I have lots of plans, lots of things I’d like to try. I have family that’s a few hours away in every direction, so that will take some of my time to see and spend time with them. I like to do lots of crafts and things like that. There’s lots of projects lined up. And with some friends, I have some trips planned, and we’re going to start a garden,” Hanlin said.
Hanlin expresses ways teachers will accommodate to all students needs.
“Definitely talk to your teacher, because if you want to do better, there’s not a teacher that won’t help you succeed if possible,” Hanlin said.
RHS principal Dr. Corey Ray believes Hanlin and Hill’s work is exemplary at RHS.
“I think they’ve done very well over the course of their career in terms of meeting the needs of kids and their education and challenging them to grow in the area of mathematics, which is not everybody’s favorite subject in the world. They’ve done a good job of trying to bridge that gap of having kids feel comfortable with math and learning about it,” Dr. Ray said.
Michael Hill began his RHS teaching career in August 2011 and, throughout his time here, has provided high-quality mathematics instruction to countless Rolla students, consistently supporting their academic growth. Beyond the classroom, he has strengthened student connections to RHS by sponsoring extracurriculars such as the Tabletop Gaming and Anime Clubs.
“Unfortunately, I am the sole sponsor for both clubs and, unless some students want to continue the clubs and find a new sponsor, this may be the last year for them,” Hill said.
Hill has contemplated plans for after retirement.
“I’m going to spend the summer resting and relaxing with family and friends and then think about what the future might hold,” Hill said.
Hill recounts the importance of the lessons in Outliers: The Story of Success by Malcolm Gladwell.
“My favorite quote regarding mathematics: ‘We sometimes think of being good at mathematics as an innate ability. You either have “it” or you don’t. But it’s not so much ability as attitude. You master mathematics if you are willing to try,’” Hill said.
Dr. Corey Ray commendsHanlin and Hill’s exemplary work at RHS.
“It’s always sad to lose faculty members. You know, they put in so many hours and dedicate so much of their life to bettering the lives of children and when they’re proficient at their jobs. It’s difficult to lose those types of people, because they’re difficult to replace. It’s bittersweet, you’re happy for them, but you are sad for the building,” Dr. Ray said.
