Patricia Weed (Droogsma) was the most athletic in the 1982 yearbook.Fsw bucs care. Austin even won the state title in discus and shot put his senior year-he matched his dad who had done the same thing for GBHS-truly an “incredible” family, with an even more “incredible” mother. The whole family are former students of Gulf Breeze High. She is Gulf Breeze through and through, and absolutely cherished her long-time experience as a student and teacher at GBHS! I will selfishly miss her but know she’s looking down on our (her)– wonderful school– with a great big smile, sending continuous, positive thoughts our way!”ĭroogsma leaves behind her husband Mike and three children: Jamie, Jesse, and Austin. Brothers knew her in every capacity - as a classmate, fellow teacher, Dean, parent, and friend: “Trish (Weed) Droogsma, an outstanding educator for over 30 years, began her affinity for teaching, and helping others, on Fairpoint Drive where she grew up. She felt a calling to help troubled students. GBHS and its community is going to miss such a wonderful person.” Many were surprised when Droogsma left the Dean position, and the relative comfort of Gulf Breeze High, to pursue a job at Santa Rosa Adult. She was one of the most fair and consistent people I know. Kids loved her even if she had to put them in detention. Watts recalls her time as Dean:” She was an awesome Dean. She was always willing to help or answer questions as I was learning the art of teaching.”Īfter years in the classroom and completing her Masters in Education Administration, Droogsma became Dean of Students. She also taught me ways of showing compassion while still having high expectations. She helped me with classroom management and showed me ways to help students be engaged. It was like student teaching but full time, where I also experienced everything else about teaching. It was wonderful because I was able to learn from her right there in class. Grey second semester, and my first period was where I was a co-teacher in Trish’s class. I think the most influence she had on my teaching was when I was a long-term substitute in 2014. I remember her always doing well of making sure she explained things well. Hofius (Class 2007) remembers her as a teacher of teachers. She pushed me to not think of myself as “bad at math” and instead to change my perspective to see math as a challenge, but not an impossibility. She was so encouraging and always available for help. Math was not my subject, and I really struggled. Droogsma taught me Algebra I and Geometry. Former student turned Assistant Principal Sarah Barker (Class 2001) remembers: “I had her twice as a student. Droogsma’s passion for teaching and compassion for students combined to make her an effective and approachable. Droogsma was, of course, Snow White.Īs a teacher, Mrs. Or the time when the entire math department came as the seven dwarves-Mrs. Most old timers at the school remember the epic battle at homecoming when Droogsma and Duffy donned Sumo wrestling fat suits and battled each other mainstage. She told us what we needed to do for the skits. I loved working with her, she was always the director in our math dept. Fellow teacher Stephanie Duffy recollects, “She got more excited about homecoming skits and dances than anyone else in the school. She began teaching at Milton High then moved to her alma mater in 1987. Fellow 1982 graduate Paul Hazucha remembers, “she was someone to look up to as an academic, cheerleader, and kind-hearted girl.”ĭroogsma attended UWF graduating with a bachelors in middle and high school education with certificates in math and science. She was voted Most Athletic by her class. She was a cheerleader, track star, and Junior Miss winner. Patricia Weed (Droogsma) graduated from Gulf Breeze High in 1982. Her school spirit was infectious and unmatched. Droogsma was everything to and for the “Breeze”: student, teacher, coach, dean, parent. Gulf Breeze High lost a true superhero this week as “Trish” Droogsma lost her long battle with cancer.
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