Megan Behan (left) is joined by Tom Black and Kimberly (Farage) Sewell at her high school graduation. (Photo courtesy Behan)
Two students, almost a decade apart, both bound by their appreciation for a man who had a major impact on their lives.
Megan Behan graduated from Coupeville High School in 2021, while Kimberly (Farage) Sewell received her diploma in 2012.
The former has appeared here on Coupeville Sports numerous times for her athletic and academic achievements, while the latter departed CHS mere months before I launched this blog.
Today, the dynamic duo swing by to offer their support to the #bringbackblack movement, which calls for Coupeville Superintendent Steve King to reverse his decision to cut the school’s Dean of Students position.
That budget cut move brings an end to a 19-year run by Tom Black, something Behan and Sewell, like many in Wolf Nation, are not happy about.
Hello!
We thought it would be helpful to show the impact Mr. Black has had on student’s lives even nearly 10 years apart.
This man has done so much for this school, and we want the school board to see that!
The loss of Mr. Black to the Coupeville School District is a dreadful mistake.
Mr. Black is a core piece not only to Coupeville Schools but to the community as well.
I personally would have not gotten though high school without this man as an ally.
He was always the first high five and good morning of each day. His door was always open when troubles arose.
When I returned to Coupeville in 2021 for a graduation, he was not only the FIRST but ONLY staff member to welcome me home.
I could hear his big booming voice “KIMBERLY FARAGE” from across the way.
He has always made sure students were heard and loved. For most that is a vital resource.
Middle school and high school are hard times.
Students lives are changing rapidly and this can leave many feeling lost.
The stress we have in our world these days is only growing. Students now are facing situations that us that came before cannot understand.
Mr. Black is the beacon many confided in during hard times.
I understand that some members of the school board view his position of not high priority.
But from the voice of a past student you could not be more wrong.
There is way more that happens at school aside from math and science.
Not having Mr. Black around is a HUGE mistake.
I have always been proud of this community and its ability to stand together.
The loss of Mr. Black is going to impact our small town greatly.
I challenge you to ask any student about their time at CHS and I can guarantee their stories are not absent of Mr. Black.
We may be a small town, but our voices have always been loud!
We need to BRING BACK BLACK!
Kimberly (Farage) Sewell
Class of 2012
I, like many, am heartbroken that Coupeville Schools has decided to let go of Mr. Black.
I understand budget cuts are necessary to keep the school in good financial standing but cutting Mr. Black, who has a vital role in every student’s experience at CHS and CMS, is a huge mistake.
I know I am not alone when I say that Mr. Black is the reason I am on the right path in life right now.
He provided open ears, advice when asked, and of course his signature good morning high-five, which I looked forward to every morning.
He is a friend to all and somehow has enough compassion to share with both the high school and middle school.
As much as I loved all of my teachers, there is no staff member that can measure up to his reliability and comfort.
He was and always is there.
I know from a financial standpoint this may not seem like much, but from a social perspective it means the world.
Coupeville, if you follow through with this, just know the effect it will have on student’s mental health.
I hate to see a future at CHS with no Mr. Black.
#BringBackBlack
Megan Behan
Class of 2021
Coupeville Sports 