Living the dream: Staying involved keeps Correll inspired
Morgan Hudson, Editor
January 17, 2012
Filed under News, Top Stories
When most people retire, they look to settle down and find joy in the simple things of life – things they never enjoyed while working in the 8 to 5 rat race. For Herb Correll, retirement simply meant enjoying what he’s always done.
Correll started teaching music at Chanute High School and Royster Middle School in 1988. Before he came to Chanute, he taught in Missouri and Oklahoma. He started teaching in the 1960s and retired in 2005. Since, Correll retired he has remained involved in Chanute High Schools music department and is approaching his 24th year here.
Correll has stayed involved at CHS by playing the trumpet in the vocal concerts that are held twice a year, and he also plays in the fall musicals.
If there is ever a time Correll can lend a helping hand, he does.
“I really miss this and that is why I come back. When I was teaching this was a dream and I would love to be back here with these facilities, they are beautiful,” Correll said.
A friendship with former colleague and current CHS music teacher Russ Vallier is another reason Correll ventures back to CHS.
“I come back because I like Russ and I love being around all the kids. Me and Russ, or Mr. Vallier as you know him, we are very, very close and I really miss Russ and working with him.”
Correll loves being surrounded by kids to the extent of volunteering his time at the local after school center, Cherry Street. At Cherry Street he helps with their music program.
“There are two things that inspire me to come back to CHS and that is music and the kids,” Correll said. “Music, itself, is inspiring, and I enjoy being around young people after all that is the name of the game.”
But, Correll is not the only one who is inspired. Many CHS students recognize what Correll does and are touched by his actions.
“It is inspiring because music is something you can do and be involved in your entire life and he hasn’t let any health problems or just the fact that he has gotten older slow him down one bit,” junior Madison Wendt said. “It is just nice to see him year after year getting involved with Chanute music because he is so passionate about it.”
Comparable to everyone else, Vallier had nothing but great things to say about Correll.
“Mr. Correll is without a doubt one of the finest men I know. He exemplifies First Corinthians. I believe it’s in 13, it talks about love and the graces of love and Herb Correll loves kids and loves people,” Vallier said. “I think that is one of the things that sets Herb apart from everyone else. Unfortunately in teaching, not all of us teachers love like Mr. Correll did and does. I consider his friendship an honor and a privilege sent from God.”
