Bond between teacher, student leads to incredible resource for others

8 minutes ago

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(BROOKVILLE, Ind.) – The bond between a teacher and student has led to an incredible resource for all current and future Franklin County High School students and staff.

Jackson Williams is a Franklin County senior and Chad Gutzwiller is a longtime educator who currently serves as the Achievement School leader at the high school.

They met each other about five years ago when Gutzwiller was teaching middle school social studies and Williams was a student in his class.

The connection that began as teacher-student has grown immensely over the years into a mentorship and now a close friendship.

“He is a stand-up guy plain and simple, Chad is an integral part to my success and I model a lot of my growth into manhood after him. He is a true role model,” Jackson said.

The Wildcat Haven

Earlier this spring, Jackson had learned about a middle school student who committed suicide a few years ago.

He learned about the situation through someone who had been friends with the victim.

“While I didn’t know the victim, I started to learn about the impact the death still had on the person who was telling me about it,” Jackson recalled.

That situation really stuck with Jackson and it prompted him to bring it up to Gutzwiller while they were having one of their regular lunches together.

Jackson asked Chad, “Shouldn’t we do something for the students who have experienced loss?”

That simple question led to more conversations between Gutzwiller and Williams and then it turned into a plan of action.

Those two came up with this concept together: Create a space for students and staff members to escape from the world when things get chaotic.

Gutzwiller identified an outdoor courtyard area at the high school that’s been underutilized for several years. The school administration gave them the greenlight to pursue the project.

Jackson and Chad began working on it early this summer and it involved pressure washing, clearing the courtyard, and revisioning the space for a new use.

Over the past few months, the community got involved as several organizations and people contributed benches, picnic tables, a performance stage, inspirational stones, landscaping, mental health resources and financial donations.

Jackson and Chad also received guidance and assistance throughout the remodeling process from multiple individuals and organizations who volunteered their time.

All the organizations and people who helped were invited to a special ceremony on Tuesday night when ‘The Wildcat Haven’ was officially opened and dedicated.

The Wildcat Haven has a motto that was created by Chad and Jackson during one of their lunches:

“The Wildcat Haven – Where we remember those we love, care for ourselves and find strength to move forward.”

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A simple conversation between Chad and Jackson has spurred a project that will have a lasting impact on those who attend and work at the school.

“I hope each student and staff member knows this is a place where you can sit quietly and remember, where friends can laugh, where a student can take a breath, or where a teacher can step outside and reconnect… Where any member of the Wildcat family can come when they simply need a moment,” Gutzwiller said.

During the dedication, Gutzwiller and Williams thanked each organization and person who contributed to making this project possible.

Gutzwiller was also sure to credit the person who brought this whole idea to life.

“Jackson, you didn’t just talk about an idea; you acted on it. You saw a need and you did something. You helped brainstorm, plan it, and you built it. And now you’re helping maintain it,” Gutzwiller said.

He added, "You didn't just renovate this area, you created a place that can make a difference in someone's day, and perhaps someone's life."

The Wildcat Haven is now open for all students and staff and the space also includes a display stand that features mental health resources.

Jackson also encourages other students who are passionate about mental health or fulfilling a need in their school to give it a try.

"The possibilities are limitless and you just need to go into anything with a clear vision, a focus and a passion, and you can make something great out of it," he told The 812.

Jackson added that he doesn't just see Chad as any other friend, but one of his best friends.

Here are some more photos from The Wildcat Haven: