Rock Hills Elementary School's new first grade teacher, Megan Young, may be a familiar face to Jewell County residents because she grew up around here. Today she lives west of Mankato. Young attended Jewell High School.

When Young left Jewell County, she went to school at Bethany College in Lindsborg where she received her bachelor's degree in elementary education in 1994. In 2004, Young received an associate's degree in early childhood.

After college, Young lived in Salina for 11 years before she moved to Silver Lake, Kan. She lived in Silver Lake for 15 years before she came back home to Jewell County two years ago. "It's home," Young said as to why she chose Jewell County. Her favorite part of living here is it is close to family.

Young has been married for nine years. She met her husband through a friend in Topeka. Young's husband has two children ages 28 and 16. Young has three children herself, aged 27, 23 and 21. In her free time, she enjoys gardening, hunting and baking.

Young has been in education related positions for approximately 20 years, making her a great addition to the Rock Hills Elementary School's staff. Before she accepted the first grade teaching position here, she ran an after school program. She also taught pre-school at a YMCA. "I like the younger kids," Young said when she was asked why she chose to teach first grade. "I taught pre-k before so it was a smooth transition."

Young said her favorite part of teaching is definitely the students. Seeing the students make progress and their smiles and hugs are just some factors that inspired her to become a teacher. The hardest part of teaching for her is the increased demands teachers have to face. Young's teaching responsibilities are teaching all curriculum for every subject and also making lesson plans.

COVID changed the school policies and routines. Young said the biggest effect COVID had in her personal life was having to wear a mask.

Young is inspired by her faith. She and her husband live on a farm and aspire to grow the farm.

"I am excited to get to know more people in the community," Young said. Cassi Owen from Leavenworth, Kan., has joined the Rock Hills Elementary School staff as the principal. Owen moved to Mankato in June.

She went to school at Benedictine College in Atchison, Kan., where she received a bachelor of arts degree in elementary education and physical education. She also received her master of arts degree in school leadership. Owen wanted to be a teacher, but became a principal because she wanted to be a bigger part of the change in education. She also wants to use her leadership skills.

Owen has three children, 24-year- old Austyn, who is in the United States Air Force, 22-year-old Chandler who lives in Kansas City and works for an animal vaccine manufacturer, and 10- year-old Brynna, who is in fifth grade. Owen owns Murphy, a miniature Schnauzer. In her free time, she enjoys running and outdoor sports.

Before joining the education field, at 27-years old, Owen worked as a dental assistant. When asked what inspired her to choose her career, Owen responded, "I had an amazing high school math teacher. She showed me I could, so I want to show others they can too."

"This was my aspiration," Owen said. She also aspires to be a leader and continuing to see the Grizzlies grow.

Owen said the students are her favorite part of the job. She finds having the time to be sure everything is done is the hardest part.

"I'm inspired by seeing those kids having that 'Aha' moment," Owen said. She is responsible for making the schedule, discipline, coaching teachers, being sure the students are succeeding and communicating with the parents. "Just be patient and make connections," Owen said to those individuals who want to work as an educator.

COVID changed the education system immensely. In Owen's opinion, it made last year the hardest year of teaching. In her personal life, COVID affected her with the stress of everyone else being stressed. Owen's son, Chandler, has had COVID, but he made a full recovery and is fine.

Owen chose to live in Jewell County because of the opportunity to be a principal. Her favorite part of living in this community is the small town feel.

Cassi Owen

"I am ready to be a part of the community," Owen said.