The Griffiths, Jill and Terry, are two new faces seen around Rock Hills’ schools. Terry and Jill have only been in Jewell County for approximately two weeks. They came here to fill two positions available that fit their educational specialities. These positions are physical education and business.

Terry is the assistant football coach, assistant track coach and the elementary physical education teacher. Jill is the business teacher and the FBLA coordinator. When asked what his responsibilities were, Terry joked, “Probably too many, my wife would say. Or, not enough.”

Terry and Jill met at Emporia State University in a Christian group. “That’s where I got my Mr. degree and she got her Mrs. degree,” Terry said with a laugh. The Griffiths have two children: Taylor, who is a senior at Pittsburg State University studying interior design; and Jackson, who is a freshman at Garden City Community College, where he plays baseball and is studying aerospace engineering.

Terry said he was drawn to Jewell County because of DJ-custodian, Jay Diamond, who was at Rural Valley where Terry played baseball. Because of Diamond, Terry thought Mankato sounded good. “So when the position came available, it seemed like a good fit,” Terry said. “I grew up in Madison which was also a small school.”

Jill is originally from Fort Scott, Kan. She attended kindergarten through 12th grade there, after which she attended two years at Fort Scott Community College. She then went to Emporia State University, where she received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees. Jill went straight into teaching after college and has been teaching for 16 years. In the years she wasn’t teaching, Jill worked for the State of Kansas in training and development for SRS and the Department of Revenue. “I got to bring my babies to work there,” Jill said. She also stayed at home with their children. “I’ve always done what is best for my family,” she said.

Terry is from Madison, Kan., where he attended kindergarten through 12th grade. In highschool, Terry played football, basketball and track. He played baseball at Butler County Community College. He then continued his baseball career at Emporia State University, followed by Washburn University. He coached baseball at Washburn for three years.

Terry dreamed he would be on a baseball card. “I thought that was going to be me, but God didn’t have it in His plans for that,” Terry said.

Terry said he figured if he taught students the proper mechanics and techniques on every sport they could possibly do, the students might have a chance to do something if they choose to. He likes the small community because he can help youth prosper instead of letting the bigger schools get all the success.

Terry’s hobbies include archery, fishing, exercising and being active. He enjoys baseball as well and has just finished coaching his son.

This year will be Terry’s 22nd year of teaching physical education and his 14th year of coaching football. He is most looking forward to watching the football team to see how well they can do this year. From a professional standpoint, he is looking forward to watching the younger students at the elementary school develop into physically active individuals.

Dale B., Terry’s junior high football, basketball and track coach, inspired Terry to pursue this career path. “He’s the one who inspired me to become active,” Terry said. “He was kind of ‘old school’. Do your best, don’t give up and never quit was his motto.”

Terry’s favorite quote is “Life is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you’re going to get.” His advice for others is that if you have a passion working with young people, and you believe you can make a difference in people’s lives, go for it.”

If you see Jill and Terry Griffith around town, feel free to walk up to them and welcome them to our community. We are glad to have you, Jill and Terry!