Tears at Westfield graduation

Senior Michelle Mack tries to dry her eyes while Principal David Moody talks about the late Andy Polk. Mr. Polk was a math/science teacher at WAHS who died in a tractor accident near his home last Friday. A moment of silence was held in honor of Mr. Polk during the graduation ceremony. Many of the seniors remembered him with special messages painted on their caps and some left flowers on the stage as well. (Photo by Josh Kirkham)

Students mourn the loss of high school teacher Andy Polk

A tragic accident took the life of 36-year-old Andy Polk last Friday night, shocking the Westfield School community, as well as the Montello community where he lived.

Polk, a math and science teacher at Westfield Area High School, was the subject of a moment of silence at graduation ceremonies on Sunday at the school, as well as many words of praise and remembrance.

Polk was killed during a tractor accident near his Montello home on Friday evening. When news of the accident began circulating, it didn’t take long for hundreds of students and their families to find out, thanks to posts on Facebook, along with phone calls and texts. The accident affected both communities, as he graduated from Montello High School, and later went on to teach at Westfield, where he has been employed for 12 years.

On Saturday morning, High School Principal David Moody had organized an opportunity for students to come into school and talk to counselors if they wished. District Administrator Roger Schmidt, father-in-law to Polk, addressed the graduation crowd on Sunday, saying he heard that students were lined up at 8 a.m. waiting for the doors to open. “We came about 10 o’clock and everything was full,” he said. It was estimated that hundreds attended to talk about one of their favorite teachers.

Schmidt acknowledged Polk as one of the school’s great teachers during his words to the graduation audience. “You have lost a friend,” he told them. “But we will all remember all the humor, all the good things. And the one thing he did, when this happened, he was helping a friend.”

While many tears were shed during the following moment of silence, many still attempted to remind the graduates and audience that the day was meant to be a celebration. Moody told them, “If (Polk) were here right now, he would tell us today is for celebrating your success and your accomplishments in high school, and formally taking that next step for your future. One thing he did was smile a lot; and he was very loud, too! He would want you to have a great time on this special day. You have worked very hard to this point and this is your day.”

Class President Caitlin Palazzolo provided some of the most poignant reminders about Mr. Polk’s relationship with the students, recalling how much fun he had at the Senior Picnic earlier on Friday. “We all know how much fun Mr. Polk had being with his students, eating burgers, playing beanbag toss, horseshoes and volleyball. We wouldn’t have wanted it any other way.”

She tearfully recited some of his favorite sayings: “Good morning children, buckaroos and buckerettes,” “Always remember every day is a holiday,” “And remember, have fun, be safe, and don’t forget to wear your seatbelt.”

Palazzolo answered the last one for the class, saying, “Don’t worry Mr. Polk, we will not forget it.”

Among the family Andy left behind are his wife Nicole and daughter Shaelynn. A memorial fund has been established for Shaelynn’s future educational expenses. Details are available in his obituary. Visitation for Polk begins at 3:00 p.m. today (Thursday) at Westfield Area High School, with a service at 5:30 p.m.