Categories:
Once a Wildcat; always a Wildcat
The Paw Print staff caught up with a number of West graduates who now work at Normal West
November 13, 2025
Emma Barth
What year did you graduate? In 2012!
What is your position at West?
I am an LBS1 in the Learning Resource Department. I am the faculty advisor of the Drama club/Fall play
What made you want to come back to work?
When I came to work at Normal West, I was moving back to town and needed some place familiar. When I found out that Normal West was hiring for paraprofessionals, I jumped at the opportunity to apply. I knew that it would give me the familiarity I needed to reintegrate myself back into Normal. It was slightly weird to have my teachers now as my coworkers, slowly but surely, I have gotten used to it!
What is your favorite part of the school’s atmosphere?
I love the environment of West, it has always felt like home. Everyone is always so welcoming and I know this is a great place to be. When I started here as a student I literally knew no one- I came from a TINY private school, like I think there were 66 students in my 8th grade class and I was the only one in my school who came to West, but I immediately fell into a place that was welcoming and accepting. I feel the same as a staff member!
Liz Haywood
What year did you graduate?
2013
What is your position at West?
Learning Resource Teacher
What made you want to come back to work?
I wasn’t sure I wanted to come back. I originally wanted to teach elementary school. I saw the job posting at West and it was with a group of students that I really wanted to work with. So I went ahead and applied. Now I’m in my 9th year and I couldn’t imagine being anywhere else!
What is your favorite part of the school’s atmosphere?
My favorite part about the school atmosphere is the community. I love working at a place with so many people who care about what they do. There are so many teachers here that really care about what they do. I had many of those teachers so it’s been fun to be colleagues now. A bonus is that my own children will eventually get to come here and have their own experiences.
Caitlin Hays
What year did you graduate?
I graduated in 2018!
What is your position at West?
I am the Agriculture Teacher here at West
What made you want to come back to work?
I wanted to come back to West to take over the Ag Program and help students find their passion in agriculture and FFA.
What is your favorite part of the school’s atmosphere?
My favorite part of the school’s atmosphere is how positive all of the staff members are to each other. We are one big wildcat family! I also love that all of our students’ accomplishments are celebrated no matter how big or small they are. West is a great place to be, and I am very fortunate to be back teaching here!
Katherine Reyes Melendez
What year did you graduate?
I graduated in 2014
What is your position at West?
I am a para pro in the special ed department
What made you want to come back to work?
I have always been a wildcat! While in school here I always was in some type of sport/club. When the opportunity came up to work here I was beyond excited!!!
What is your favorite part of the school’s atmosphere?
My favorite part is the “wildcat energy” that not only our students and staff but our families all have!!! We truly are proud of our school and we are not afraid to show it!
John Bierbaum
What year did you graduate?
2001
What is your position at West?
I am the Social Studies Building Chair. I teach A.P. Government and dual credit Western Civilization as well as sponsor several different clubs.
What made you want to come back to work?
As a high schooler here at West, I was in the Tomorrow’s Teachers Club and had a bunch of passionate, interesting teachers that motivated me to want to become a teacher myself. It just seemed to make sense to try to get a job at West with the teachers that I had always held in such high esteem. When I was hired, it was only for a one year contract and I was afraid that I wouldn’t be good enough to be rehired!
What is your favorite part of the school’s atmosphere?
To me, West has always felt like a big family who celebrate each other and work endlessly to try to help students reach their fullest potential. The tradition of “student-centeredness” in all the things that go on at Normal West has always been something that I strive to contribute to and grow in my own teaching.
Keely Theobald
What year did you graduate?
2015
What is your position at West?
Speech-Language Pathologist
What made you want to come back to work?
I have so many great memories of my classes and playing sports at Normal West. I loved the teachers here and the environment, so when there was an opening I knew I had to apply.
What is your favorite part of the school’s atmosphere?
I love the school spirit and how much staff support student activities/music/sports. I also love that you can sing the school song and earn $50.00!
Corey Ostling
What year did you graduate?
2001
What is your position at West?
School Counselor
What made you want to come back to work?
West provided me so many great opportunities so I wanted to provide the same to others
What is your favorite part of the school’s atmosphere?
I love that there is something for all students to be passionate about. West is a place that doesn’t just celebrate one part of their building, but rather all of the different opportunities that exist. I also love seeing so many teachers lead clubs, coach, and provide incredible experiences for our students both inside and outside of the classroom.
Jennifer Renchen
What year did you graduate?
2006
What is your position at West?
English Teacher
What made you want to come back to work?
I’ve always loved the Bloomington-Normal community and knew that ideally I would settle in this area near family and friends, but I specifically hoped I’d be able to find a position at West because I knew that the faculty was passionate and experienced, the students were diverse and invested in their futures, and the administration put students and teachers at the heart of the decisions they made. As an education student, student-teacher, and teacher, I’d been able to be part of many different schools, and I knew that what West has is rare and special.
What is your favorite part of the school’s atmosphere?
My favorite part of our school atmosphere is the way we celebrate each other. Whether we’re recognizing leaders of sports/clubs at assemblies, spotlighting students with Kat-itude, or reading articles in the Paw Print about the school fashion show, play, or WildCat Live channel, West has a way of shining light on the talents, passions, and strengths of fellow Wildcats.
Donate to The Paw Print
$0
$1000
Contributed
Our Goal
Your donation will support the student journalists of Normal West High School. Your contribution will allow us to purchase equipment and cover our annual website hosting costs. We are incredibly thankful for your generous donation!
More to Discover
