From speed walking in the halls, to outstanding Homecoming floats, to dressing up as Shakespeare, anyone who has attended BAHS has either met or been positively impacted by ninth grade English teacher Miss Kaysey Beury. However, with the recent announcement of her departure, the students and staff of BAHS have been deeply upset by her upcoming departure. 

Miss Beury has been an English 9 teacher at Bellefonte for six years. She was also the class advisor for the Class of 2021, a task that she did on her own for a year. Throughout her years at Bellefonte, she has made her mark on both teachers and students through her passion and dedication to advising and teaching her students.

“My first impression of her was that she was going to make my ninth grade year a very fun year. Glad to know my first impression was right. Earlier this year, she went with us to Districts for AcDec (Academic Decathlon), and she told us she had an amazing time, which made my day. On the way home too, she started singing T-Swift with us,” senior Hana Rados said.

Many students remember Miss Beury for her infamous hallway speed walking, along with her classroom reenactments of “Romeo and Juliet.” Her spunky attitude and passion for education of her students was prominent in the way she taught and resonates throughout her former students now. Miss Beury, however, has not only had an impact on students but also her fellow staff members. 

“Students only have good things to say about her. Like, every single student who had her thinks she is amazing. I’d say that her coworkers are the same way. There’s only good stuff to say about her. That just doesn’t happen to everyone. She is something special. The district was lucky to have her for the time we did,” Mrs. Jessica Lloyd, an English 12 teacher, said.

Miss Crosson, a former English teacher at BAHS, was touched by Miss Beury from the moment she met her. Miss Crosson sat on the panel of teachers that originally hired Miss Beury.

“She was our last candidate of the day and we were all very tired and a little downtrodden from the interviews because no one seemed to be the right fit. When she left her interview, I looked at the other people who were on the panel and said ‘I want her. She’s it,’” she said.

Miss Crosson stayed firm on her intuition and never regretted her choice throughout their time together. The two created a bond and had tons of fond memories together. 

“Miss Beury and I somehow ended up advising and chaperoning this two-part field trip that included a lot of prep work and a stay in a very sketchy hotel. We’re still scarred from it many years later. Another is our field trip to Washington DC. Miss Beury bought this tacky Pennsylvania snow hat at the truck stop because it was freezing. She was a nervous wreck leading up to and on the day of the trip because she’s very protective of her student-babies and was afraid to take them to the big city,” she said.

Mrs. Sarah Rodgers, a literary specialist at BAHS, also had similar experiences with Miss Beury, growing a tight bond over shared experiences and memories.

“Miss Beury is one of the most dedicated and compassionate teachers I have ever met. Her passion for English, especially Shakespeare, is infectious resulting in her students’ success. She is also incredibly empathetic and caring,” she said.

All three teachers spoke highly of Miss Beury. But, all good things must come to an end. With it being time to say goodbye, Mrs. Lloyd, Mrs. Rodgers, and Miss Crosson all provided brief farewell messages for Miss Beury. 

“I’d personally like to thank her for showing us what true dedication looks like. No matter how late I left this building, her car would always be one of the last ones in the lot. She inspired me and will continue to do so even when she’s not teaching here,” Mrs. Lloyd said.

No matter how late faculty stayed at the building, her car would be one of the last ones here. Mrs. Rodgers will especially miss Miss Beury.

“I am going to miss you like crazy. I know that you’re just a text or phone call away, but it just won’t be the same. You’re amazing, and I’m a better teacher for having worked with you. Best of luck on your new adventure. Love you!” Mrs. Rodgers said.

Working hand and hand with Miss Beury, Miss Crosson has seen personally how her experience at Bellefonte has impacted and changed her as not only an educator, but as a person.

“Miss Beury came to Bellefonte timid and anxious because she never wanted to offend anyone or make a mistake. She’s leaving Bellefonte emboldened and confident because BAHS – her students and her colleagues – helped her find her voice. That’s what every great high school can and should do for its people… I’m so glad I get to count Kasey as a forever friend, and I’m sure many of her students will keep in touch with her, too, as they pursue their own futures,” Miss Crosson said.

The passion of Miss Beury has left an imprint on her students and fellow staff and she will surely not be forgotten. I personally have been deeply touched and moved by the passion and dedication that Miss Beury has shown during my time at the high school. On behalf of the staff of the Red and White, farewell Miss Beury, and good luck to wherever life takes you.