FAREWELL: Poly reluctantly bids farewell to beloved U.S. History and AVID teacher Michael Gull as he accepts a new position at the Riverside Unified School District office.
By Ashley Gore, Features Editor
In a typical school year, students and staff make bittersweet goodbyes as the second semester comes to a close. They say farewell to graduating seniors as they move on to bigger and better things. However, this year Poly has to say a different kind of goodbye much earlier in the year to teacher Michael Gull as he leaves the nest—or rather, the den—to move forward in his career.
Before coming to Poly, Gull worked at local rival Martin Luther King High School not only as a history teacher, but as a golf and tennis coach as well. He then accepted a promotion as the district’s Staff Development Specialist for History and Social Science with an emphasis on teaching American history.
He finally returned to the classroom—Poly’s classroom—in 2013. Then future principal Dr. Michael Roe greatly influenced Gull’s decision to join the Bear family. Gull had the choice to teach at either the middle or high school level, but ultimately, Roe’s ideals and policies played a key role in making the decision. “I knew of his [Roe’s] reputation as a leader and promoter of change from his prior positions in the Hemet Unified School District. I knew that I wanted to work for and with him to assist in bringing a Renaissance back to the Poly Legacy,” Gull said.
Gull enjoyed every moment as a Bear, especially those spent at the recent Poly versus King rival revival football game. “The really special part was the renewed enthusiasm and support shown by the students, staff, faculty and alumni that all come out to support a great school and community event,” Gull expressed.
While Gull may not have been at Poly for long, he certainly managed to make an impact during his time on campus. He inspired many students with life stories of overcoming obstacles and challenges. His mother passed away several years ago after a devastating car accident, and his father lost his life to cancer. At any time he could have chosen to surrender to these circumstances, but with determination and optimism, he turned sadness into success and now lives his passion every day.
Although he left early in the year, Gull did not leave his students hanging out to dry. Before he departed, he wanted to ensure that his students would continue the school year in capable hands. Mr. Anthony School, Poly’s newest staff member, will take over Gull’s Honors U.S. History classes for the remainder of the 2014-2015 school year.
Students will dearly miss Gull’s strong, lively presence in the classroom, but they support his decision and know he will thrive in his new surroundings. “I’m super sad he is leaving because he is one of my favorite teachers. I am also happy for him because I know he will do great things wherever he goes,” student Hanna Landry (11) said.