Kate Boller, Science Teacher Extraorndinaire, Even Has a Furry Sidekick To Help Her With Students
by Sarah Grace McElwain
Kate Boller is a science teacher at Walkersville High School. She is actively involved in many ways at WHS.
However, Boller did not always want to be a science teacher. She began her education at Gettysburg College in Pennsylvania. “I actually didn’t [become a teacher] the traditional way. I went to school and studied biology and neuroscience,” said Boller.
Originally, Boller wanted to become a vet, although she realized working in a vet’s office was not for her. “After working at different vets’offices, I realized that I was going to be like [the] crazy cat lady when people didn’t want to pay for treatments. I would have adopted them all,” laughed Boller.
After working at the Catoctin Zoo, Boller decided to go back to school to get her teaching certification. While she still loved working with animals, Boller said “I thought I would teach the next generation, and maybe they would be vets.”
Boller now teaches biology, environmental science, and AP Biology. In the past she has taught ICP, but that course is no longer available. Boller said her favorite part about teaching is, “That ‘a-ha’ moment when a student finally gets that topic that they weren’t understanding.”
Sophomore Luci Karszen is currently in one of her Biology classes. “[Boller] is really interested in the material she teaches, and that has helped me want to learn and understand the topics we study a lot more,” said Karszen.
Senior Julia Mullen is an AP Biology student this year and enjoys having Boller as a teacher. “[Her class] is very hands on. In the class we do a lot of labs and she helps explain the unit by using physical demonstrations instead of just talking about,” said Mullen.
Boller is also the advisor for the Pre-Veterinary Club, as well as the coordinator for the Homecoming Dance each year. “I love that [Boller] is always readily available. She is always willing to help out, and she is super flexible,” said junior and Pre-Vet Club member Emilia Lawler. “Also, she has a bunny!” Lawler added.
Many students and teachers around WHS can also identify Boller as ‘the teacher with the bunny.’ That bunny’s name is Storm. Storm spends all day in the classroom and roams the room freely. He is litter box trained and will occasionally enjoy snacks brought in by students. Many students enjoy having Storm around the classroom. For many students, having the familiar furry face around makes hard days at school a little easier to manage.
“I have always liked animals, but I also find that there are kids that don’t have pets or that having a furry creature in the room is kind of like a stress reliever. [Storm] has a calming effect and makes [the classroom] a kind of a place kids want to come into,” said Boller.
If you have not had Boller for any subject, consider signing up for one of her classes. Boller makes every class a fun experience, and will not hesitate to give you help if needed. Even if you do not enjoy science classes, getting to meet Storm is definitely a plus!
