Nancy Kula will be missed at Anamosa High School

ANAMOSA - Nancy Kula will be retiring as the Anamosa High School art teacher at the end of the school year, but leaving some big shoes to fill.

Kula is leaving after 38 years of teaching art to generations of students.

Her departure will leave many students who have had the honor of being taught by her sad, their favorite teacher no longer will walk the halls of AHS.

Students have known about Kula's plan since the current seniors were freshmen. She made them aware they would the last advisory she would ever host as a teacher in the high school, but students still are upset knowing this year's freshmen will be the last class to ever be taught by such an inspiring and loved teacher.

Kula has helped many artistic-minded students find their way in the world of art, some who have reached important places. One of her former students was one of the lead architects for a famous building in Dubai and another helped design shoes for Nike.

She has students living everywhere with artistic dreams fueled by the amazing classes and the wonderful techniques she has taught them. She has helped many students get into the college they love because she has taken time out of her busy schedule to help them apply for scholarships. She has helped make the difficulty and fear of applying to college easier and less stressful for many.

When one of her art classes was asked their thoughts on Kula, every single student - from freshman to senior - had only good thoughts, agreeing she is an amazing teacher. One student said 'I feel a lot more confident with my art because of her. I'm glad my first real art class was with her.”

One thing was for certain as Kula's final days approach - no one will ever be truly able to fill her shoes.