‘A wonderful place to spend your life’ Teacher Dave Risser retires after 47 years at Central Christian

PHOTOS PROVIDED

Submitted by ALLISON MULLET

To know Dave Risser is to know love.

Dave Risser is completing his 47th year of teaching at Central Christian School in Kidron at the conclusion of this academic year.

After growing up in south-central Pennsylvania and attending Eastern Mennonite University, he was led to Central where he began teaching in 1976.

Risser teaches upper-level math and science courses along with numerous AP and College Credit Plus courses. He has become one of the most academically accomplished educators in the area.

Risser has also been influential to the CCS soccer program, coaching eight years at the JV level and 14 years at varsity level. Risser led Central to the Comets’ first district appearance and multiple state runs. Central’s successful soccer program was built on Risser’s involvement.

While teaching at Central, Risser was also an adjunct professor at The College of Wooster for seven years. During these years of teaching, he completed a master’s degree in Curriculum Instruction and was moving towards completing his master’s in Mathematics Education.

“Central provided him the opportunity to be the best version of himself,” CCS Superintendent Nathan Holton said. “He made a great impact in the classroom and also in relationships.”

Holton expressed how Risser made an effort to be a spiritual role model in each student’s life. Beyond his extensive academic resume, Risser has touched hundreds of lives. His impact on generations is indescribable. Risser has been led by nine superintendents, and no one in the school’s current administration has known Central without him. Risser is one of few teachers who has taught multiple generations of students and has worked alongside students who returned to teach at CCS.

“He has the incredible ability to develop relationships outside of the classroom, and that stems into stronger academic and spiritual lives for his students,” said Andrew Fisher, Class of 2022 Central Alumnus.

Risser has been vital to the culture of the school. He has gone out of his way to be a friend to students, an excellent educator, and a loving peer to all those who know him.

“Every day in the classroom is a favorite because there are so many fun things that happen,” Risser said, reflecting on the years. “It hardly felt like teaching was a job. It’s something I enjoyed so much and was lucky to do.”

Risser went above and beyond to make each student feel loved and valued, and because of that, he is adored by many. Though he is leaving the school, he will forever be influential to students, parents, and faculty members who are part of Central Christian School.

During Central’s renovation in 2022, faculty and students were given the opportunity to write on the walls before they were covered with paint. Risser wrote, “a wonderful place to spend your life.” This perfectly encapsulates Risser’s legacy at CCS. Life lived with unconditional love for everyone around him.

Mullet is a former student of Risser’s and a Central Christian School 2022 graduate.