Faces of 495

We might be a little biased, but we believe the individuals who work for the Fort Larned school district are truly exceptional! Once you have the opportunity to meet them, we're confident that you'll agree.

However, with nearly 200 employees at 495, getting to know each one individually can be quite challenging! To help you get acquainted, we're excited to introduce our new story series titled "Faces of 495." This collection features question-and-answer profiles showcasing various Fort Larned staff members across different facilities within the district. From teachers and social workers to principals, paraprofessionals, counselors, directors, food service workers, IT personnel, and other front-line folks whose commitment to students is integral in helping shape our leaders of tomorrow!

Be sure to check back regularly for new additions and get to know the outstanding individuals who contribute to our district's success!

TRICIA

TRICIA PRESCOTT

LARNED MIDDLE SCHOOL TEACHER

Name: Tricia Prescott

Your position at 495: 6th Grade Social Studies & Art

How long you've worked at 495: 33 years

Education: Associates - Barton County College, Bachelor of Science - Fort Hays University 

Family: Roy Prescott is my husband. We have three daughters, Kaitlin (Casey), Shanna (Jon), McKenzie (Tyson), and a son, Tanner. Our family is set to grow with the arrival of our eighth grandchild soon!

Can you give a brief description of what all your job duties entail?

Teaching and learning, they go hand in hand!

Share one thing that people would be surprised to learn about you:

I love to clean and take care of my yard! 

If you could have tickets to any concert (dead or alive), who would you see?

Elvis!

What was the first job you ever had and what did you learn from it?

Babysitting- I learned early on whatever you do, do it to the best of your abilities! 

What inspired you to pursue a career in education?

Teachers that I had growing up.

Tricia FAMILY

HAYLEY CLASS

Name one item that you own that you simply couldn't live without:

My car! 

If you weren't in your current position with USD 495, what do you think you'd be doing for a career?

Something in the outdoors; Gardening, Landscaping, etc.

If you could learn to do any one thing, what would it be?

Play the guitar.

What is your favorite thing to eat, and where is your favorite place to get it?

Pasta (Wherever it’s available!) 

You're in the car, listening to the radio. What song will get you to sing out loud, and which song will get you to change the station?

Gratitude by Brandon Lake (Favorite!)
Anything Taylor Swift (Least Favorite...)

The best part of my job is:

I love the age I teach. It’s amazing to see their growth throughout a school year! 

hewson

ADAM HEWSON

LARNED HIGH SCHOOL TEACHER

Name: Adam Hewson

Your position at 495: Construction and Woodworking Teacher

How long you've worked at 495: 4 years this time around, 7 altogether.

Education: B.S. Technology Studies Fort Hays State University, B.S. Secondary Education Fort Hays State University, M.S. Special Education (Adaptive) Fort Hays State University

Family: Wife, Amber, and 2 children, Hunter and Heidi.

Can you give a brief description of what all your job duties entail? I am an Industrial Arts Teacher for LHS. As part of that role, I am an adjunct instructor for Barton Community College. Additionally, I am a NCCER certified instructor and serve as an NCCER mentor instructor for the Build Up Kansas program.

If you could have tickets to any concert (dead or alive), who would you see and why? I have seen Garth Brooks 3 times, and I think I would like to see him again.

What was the first job you ever had, and what did you learn from it? My first job was carrying out groceries at Dillon’s. I learned the importance of breaking away from scripted conversations. In the checkout line, customers often engage in the usual exchange: 'How are you doing today?' 'Fine, and you?' 'Fine.' However, I discovered that by responding with something unexpected like 'excellent' or 'phenomenal,' it prompts people to pause, look at you, and engage in a genuine conversation.

hewson family

What inspired you to pursue a career in education? I just kind of fell into it. I really enjoyed woodworking and construction in high school, and during my first semester of college, I decided that teaching was what I wanted to do with my life.

Name one item that you own that you simply couldn't live without: My truck. I have it set up with all my tools and equipment, making every job much smoother with everything organized and at hand.

If you weren't in your current position with USD 495, what do you think you'd be doing for a career? I would be doing construction.

hewson

If you could learn to do any one thing, what would it be? I would love to learn to be a better mechanic.

What is your favorite thing to eat, and where is your favorite place to get it? Last year, in Salida, Colorado, we had lunch at the Boat House on the river. I had these wasabi fish tacos that were the best thing I had eaten in a long time. They were not super hot at all. I have been craving them ever since.

You're in the car, listening to the radio. What song will get you to sing out loud? 'I am the One and Only' by Chesney Hawkes. I play that in the Jeep with the top off with my young nephew.

The best part of my job is: Making connections with students.

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