Longstanding Principle of Cherokee Trail, Mrs. Jean Incitti, is retiring after this year. She helped the school secure proper funding, keep school spirit high, and make students feel welcome during her time. Along with Principal Mrs. Incitti, other members of our community are also retiring. One of them is Mr. Whipple, the library coordinator, who is also leaving with the Class of 2026. 

  He has been at CT since it opened 23 years ago; however, his educational career began 31 years ago. He began teaching English at Cherry Creek High School in 1994. He gained his master’s degree in library science in 1998 and began his career as a librarian at Smoky Hill High School that same year. He was then hired when CT was opened in 2002. 

  He says, “Opening CT in 2003 was one of the great challenges and joys of my career.” 

  Teaching, to him, was one of the hardest jobs he had. “Classroom teaching…It’s really an art. I have so much respect for classroom teachers. As a librarian, I hope I have helped teachers make their jobs easier and better, and that I have made the library a safe, comfortable, and intellectually stimulating place for students,” Whipple stated. 

  A lot has changed at CT since he started in 2003. The student body went from 600 to over 3000 kids walking our halls. The dynamic within the school has become completely different from the first classes in the building. 

  Whipple said, “I’m so proud of the different pathways available to students. We should be able to help every student pursue their passion and set them up for the next stage.” 

  In a long career like his, Mr. Whipple had to make many decisions. 

  “If I could go back and give myself advice, I would take some time off after high school. Grow up, get a job, travel, experience life first before college, career, marriage, kids, etc.” Whipple stated. 

  31 years of constant dedication to education and students is a huge accomplishment. Thank you for all the work you’ve done behind the scenes, and enjoy retirement, Mr. Whipple!