In 23 years, Dave Roeder has acquired a long list of titles at Brandywine High School.

Dave teaches civics, economics, psychology, sociology, global issues and a variety of other classes depending on the year.

He is well known for his sense of humor, his love for Ohio State and his creative lesson plans.

Brandywine students lucky enough to take Dave’s class likely remember creating their own businesses, developing their own country, playing the “stock game” and watching “The West Wing.” And, if they are anything like me, they can probably still recite the Preamble of the Constitution in their sleep.

Outside the classroom, the educator has donned a long list of other hats over the years, including varsity girls basketball coach, student council advisor, National Honor Society advisor, senior class advisor and prom committee chair.

When I was in high school, Dave founded the History Club, which might sound like a boring academic group, but actually had a very large membership. Through the club, I was able to go on a number of day trips in Chicago, as well as two five-day summer trips to Boston and Gettysburg.

We hunted for ghosts in historic Williamsburg, learned about witch trials in Salem, Massachusetts, explored historic homes of famous presidents and walked on the same ground our forefathers battled for our freedom, all the while learning the historical significance alongside 60 to 70 fellow Bobcats.

Dave has continued facilitating the group since I graduated, and has helped countless students visit places like New York, St. Louis and Charleston, South Carolina.

I have written before how Dave made me learn about our world — and our country’s history — through an entirely new perspective, and I can say that some of the best memories of my teenage years were made because of his hard work.

It’s not surprising, considering Dave’s dedication to helping Brandywine students have more enjoyable high school experiences, that he has been voted Favorite Teacher most of the years he has been at Brandywine.

Earlier this week, Dave called to tell me that his diabetes had caused his kidney to fail and he was in need of a transplant, and my heart fell. He told me humbly that he wants to live long enough to see his children — Bailey and Sydney — graduate high school and get married.

Dave is listed on the transplant list at the University of Michigan, and is working to finalize paperwork at Indiana University and the University of Chicago.

Because kidney donation is reciprocal, kidney donors need not be the same blood type as Dave in order for him to receive a kidney. If someone of a different blood type donates their kidney in Dave’s name, Dave will receive another viable kidney.

Anyone interested in donating is encouraged to call 1-800-333-9013. Callers will go through a pre-screening process that tells them if they may be able to donate.

Dave’s insurance covers all costs for any donor giving their kidney.

“I love teaching, and I want to be around my kids,” he said.

I can’t imagine what Dave and his family are going through in this difficult time, but knowing the Brandywine community and the number of lives this passionate educator has touched, I hope some generous community member will step forward to help keep Brandywine High School’s Favorite Teacher healthy.

 

Ambrosia Neldon is the managing editor at Leader Publications. She can be reached by phone at (269) 687-7713, or by email at ambrosia.neldon@leaderpub.com