It’s time to say goodbye to one of our wonderful janitorial staff members, Joe Gerlach. His last day is Friday, February 17.

Joe went to junior high here in Helena, which is now Helena Middle School. There he met his now wife. You could say it’s a romantic love story.

After junior high, Joe went to Helena High School and graduated from there. After that he married his high school sweetheart—the same girl he met in junior high, Laura.

Joe returned to Helena High School more than 40 years later and has been such an amazing addition to the staff here at school. Not only is he a hard worker, he takes an extra step in connecting with his students: “I love watching kids enter high school and then watching them turn into adults and graduate,” Joe said.

He is so passionate about “his school” and shows it every day with an uplifting attitude. As Joe always lends a helping hand, he also does it with a great smile.

“I’m gonna miss this place; I really am.” Some relations Joe will miss the most are the students, staff, and his crew.

Farewell, Joe. You’ll be missed by many, and we wish you the best.