AHS Wing Recognizes Legendary Teacher Richard Wesp
Legendary Anderson High School teacher Mr. Richard W. Wesp passed away 10 years ago this September. He is remembered fondly by staff, former students and the entire Forest Hills Community for his nearly 60 years of dedication and service.
On October 12th, 2019, friends, family and former students of Mr. Wesp gathered in Titus Auditorium. At that event, we dedicated the newly-refurbished performing arts spaces to the legendary Anderson teacher and renamed the spaces as the “Richard W. Wesp Performing Arts Wing.” Money was raised to purchase signage for the building exterior that honors Mr. Wesp’s legacy. That installation took place in Summer of 2021.
Stories of Mr. Wesp’s life-changing impact and legacy are numerous and evidence of his students’ successes reaches far and wide. As the district’s chair for fine arts, Mr. Wesp elevated the reputation of the music programs in the Forest Hills School District. His Anderson choirs consistently received accolades at state contests in Ohio and across the United States. He delivered excellence not only on stage, but also in the classroom - Continually pushing his students to always expect more of themselves. One of his most-used quotes is: “When you stop being better, you stop being good.”
Mr. Wesp taught at Anderson for 57 years until his retirement at the end of the 2010-11 school year. He passed away September 20, 2012. His story is also shared for visitors to see on the wall of the lobby at Central Office (pictured below).
