Biology teacher Lee Sims has been teaching at the high school for 10 years and has made a huge impact on many students. On top of being a teacher, Sims also coaches the cross country team.

After graduating high school, Sims attended the University of Wisconsin-Superior. He studied biology, but he didn’t always want to be a teacher. Originally, Sims wanted to be an ecologist. He changed his mind while he was a Teacher’s Assistant getting his master’s degree at the University of Minnesota Duluth.

“I didn’t realize how much computer time was involved in ecology,” said Sims.

Along with being a college student, Sims played soccer in the fall and ran track in the spring. During his senior year, Sims started running cross country instead of soccer. Sims said that it was because he was a part of a very good relay team when he ran track, which inspired him to join.

Currently, Sims and his wife Kathleen Sims both teach at the high school and have four kids at home. Along with Sims being a teacher and coach, he builds meaningful relationships with students. During his classes, Sims encourages his students to be interested and curious about the various topics they learn about.

Furthermore, during cross country he encourages everyone to push themselves and give their maximum effort during their races.

“Sims never fails to be positive and lift kids in his classes spirits. As for coaching, not many people like to run, but Sims is a big part of what makes the sport fun, which is a difficult feat,” says senior runner Kyra Hovis.

Sims runs to different places throughout the race so he can continue cheering for his runners and is there waiting at the finish line. Sims always shows his positivity and supportiveness both in the classroom and as a coach.