PRAIRIE VILLAGE, KS (KCTV) -
Clark Fisher used to walk seven miles, uphill both ways, in the snow to get to school, and now, more than 80 years later he is still present in the classroom.
The Prairie Village resident has been volunteering the past 20 years, teaching science to fourth graders one day each week at John Diemer Elementary School in Overland Park.
"My lessons always include hands-on projects," Fisher says. "The students learn better that way, and it helps to keep me active, too," he said.
Fisher said one of his favorite projects is learning the essentials of balance.
"We have two students stand on a balance beam and even use some algebra to help figure the weight of one of the students," he said.
He has taught at John Diemer since 2005, and previously taught at Christa McAuliffe Elementary School in Lenexa.
"The intergenerational aspect of Mr. Fisher teaching in our classrooms is beyond valuable," said Clarise Hovis, a fourth-grade teacher at John Diemer. "He's an inspiring example of a lifelong learner for our students."
Fisher retired from TWA as chief engineer for technical development in 1983 and began teaching through the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) volunteer program.
Fisher also inspires others at his retirement community where he has lived with his wife for the past two years.
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