NEW KNOXVILLE — After 31 years in education, Jerry Vanderhorst is retiring from New Knoxville City Schools. Vanderhorst has spent the last seven years as the athletic director at New Knoxville, while also teaching a variety of subjects.
Vanderhorst began his teaching career in 1986 at Lima Perry after earning his bachelor’s degree from Bluffton University and his master’s degree from Wright State University, where he majored in health, physical education and recreation.
After leaving Lima Perry, Vanderhorst went to New Knoxville, where he spent the next 11 years before serving as an elementary principal at St. Marys for two years. In 2004, Vanderhorst returned to New Knoxville.
“The best thing about teaching, is connecting with kids, and seeing them grow,” Vanderhorst said.
Over the course of his career, Vanderhorst taught a variety of subjects, including conservation, Earth science, health, life skills, parenting, physical education and physical science.
Vanderhorst has spent the last seven years as athletic director, and moving on from that position will not be easy, but he said he has learned a lot during his time in that position.
“I will miss the daily interaction with coaches and feeling that I played a part in our teams’ successes,” Vanderhorst said.
Vanderhorst will be moving out of the education field and into a new field.
“I will be a sales representative for Albert Sporting Goods in St. Marys,” Vanderhorst said.
Vanderhorst’s family includes his wife of 29 years, Monica, and son Ryan, an admissions counselor at Walsh University in North Canton, Ohio. When he isn’t working, Vanderhorst enjoys travelling, golfing, reading and spending time with his family.
