Jim Hosek, seen during his days as a Coupeville High School teacher. (Photos courtesy Jennifer Henning)
Linda Hosek – coach, teacher, and mentor.
They’re coming back, and they’d like to leave a legacy.
Members of the Coupeville High School Class of 1974 return to their hometown this August for their 50th reunion, with plans to honor two beloved teachers.
The class, which featured 38 students from a town which had a population of 900, is launching a fundraiser in tribute to the late Jim Hosek, and his widow Linda, who still lives on Whidbey.
The duo taught and coached in Coupeville for many years and had a considerable impact on many Wolf students who came through the CHS hallways.
“We are truly fortunate to have had our high school experience on Whidbey Island and especially at Coupeville High,” said ’74 grad Jennifer (Toth) Henning.
“We benefited from the opportunities to participate in sports, music, clubs, and student activities; we went on to jobs and careers that contributed to the fabric of our own communities.
“We had some incredible teachers, counselors, and coaches while at CHS; they influenced us to be independent critical thinkers and to rely on our knowledge, skills, and abilities in order to succeed.”
Jim Hosek taught Current Events and History, while Linda was a PE instructor.
She coached track and started the Wolfettes dance team that performed at football and basketball games.
The Wolfettes, ready to rock the gym.
Jim Hosek was a highly successful baseball coach, first at CHS, where he led the Wolves to multiple league titles and trips to the state tourney, then later at Skagit Valley College.
The Hoseks also had a huge impact on their students away from campus.
The duo rented a building in Coupeville, naming it “Our House,” where they created “a safe place for the youth to gather on weekends in a drug and alcohol-free environment,” Henning said.
The Hoseks contributed in many other ways, from purchasing running shoes for athletes who couldn’t afford them, to temporarily housing students to allow them to finish high school.
As they return for their reunion, Class of ’74 members are working with the Community Foundation for Coupeville Public Schools to raise money in honor of the Hoseks.
The fundraiser will run through the end of August, with the reunion set for Aug. 10.
The use of the money is still up for discussion, with all proceeds earmarked to honor the influential teaching duo.
“We are open to suggestions,” Henning said.
“One idea is to direct our gift to the “Promise Fund” through the Coupeville Schools Foundation.
The Promise Fund provides for items middle school and high school students need, such as reading glasses, books, school lunches, and the like.
“Another idea is to earmark our gift and direct it to a scholarship awarded to a student furthering their education at a technical school, community college, or university.”
The main idea is to honor their mentors and what the duo have meant to the lives of their students.
“We would like to recognize and thank Jim and Linda for all they did for the youth of this community,” Henning said.
For more info, and to donate, pop over to:
https://www.flipcause.com/secure/cause_pdetails/MjExNzky
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