Monterey High School to dedicate Science and Innovation Center in honor of prominent community members and former teachers
NEWS ADVISORY
October 11, 2022
Contact:
Marci McFadden
Chief of Communications & Engagement
831.706.6971
Monterey High School to dedicate Science and Innovation Center in honor of prominent community members and former teachers
Monterey, CA - Monterey High School will host a dedication ceremony on Saturday, October 15, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. to dedicate the new Monterey High School Science and Innovation Center in honor of Mike and Carol Weesner, prominent community members and former Monterey High School educators.
The community and media are invited to attend.
10:30 - 11:00 a.m. Community Gathering
- Coffee and Pastries
- Welcome | Principal Thomas Newton
- Choir Performance | Monterey High School Choir
- Remarks | Superintendent PK Diffenbaugh and Community Leaders
- Unveiling of the Monterey High School Science and Innovation Center honoring Mike and Carol Weesner Plaque
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About Mike and Carol Weesner
Mike and Carol Weesner are long-time prominent residents of Monterey. Mike was a popular science teacher at Monterey High from 1968 until 2005 and introduced hands-on learning before it became commonplace in curriculum and instruction. He had a heart for the underserved and often taught students who were not on the college preparatory track. Mike focused on experimental, hands-on projects that led to an understanding of the theory behind them, including trial and error, question-asking situations, and collaborating with student peers. He was successful at guiding and directing students to become independent learners.
Mike was a pioneer in the state’s “Mentor Teacher Project,” and was consistently chosen to be a mentor in the field of technology. He offered various workshops for teachers which were always full, and he visited teachers in their classrooms to help with projects they were undertaking.
Mike also served in the school’s administration before ending his career teaching photography and film. He developed a unique course in oceanography for students.
Carol committed 36 years to public education, and a majority of those years in service to the Monterey Peninsula Unified School District. She worked for seven years at the former Fitch Middle School as a teacher and 21 years at Monterey High School as a counselor, teacher, and administrator. She also worked for five years at Los Arboles Middle School as an administrator, and two years at the district office as an Assistant Superintendent. In addition to her professional qualifications, she served as a mentor to many and guided numerous individuals to become teachers and leaders in MPUSD. Throughout her career she was known for her humor and dedication to students. MPUSD is lucky to have had Carol Weesner and is grateful for her service.
