The CHIEF November 2020

Teacher Retirement: Mr. Sweetwood By Emilie Collins

After teaching at PTHS for thirty-three and a half years and being involved in a myriad of activities, we will be wishing Mr. Eric Sweetwood a happy retirement at the end of this semester.

Mr. Sweetwood was born in Kankakee and moved to Ottawa a few years later. During high school he was involved in Chess Team, Speech Team, and Drama. After graduating from Ottawa High School, he attended Illinois Valley Community College where he earned an associates of arts in English Education. Afterwards he attended Illinois State University where he earned his bachelor’s degree in English Education, a master’s degree in History, and minors in sociology and psychology. Throughout his years in college he was the Newspaper Editor, Music and Film Critic, and involved in Student Government. At Pontiac, Mr. Sweetwood has been involved in many different activities: Junior class sponsor, yearbook, technology coordinator, play director, department chair, chess team sponsor, and junior varsity scholastic bowl coach. Scholastic Bowl is where Mr. Sweetwood has made some of his favorite memories; however, his favorite moments are when he gets to see former students and talk about what they’ve been doing since their graduation. Although he will miss all of the people at Pontiac, he is excited for his retirement. He plans to first and foremost be an excellent husband to his wife and then he has plans to work at a local comic book store, consult at a record store, and work on books about hard rock with a friend. Mr. Sweetwood would like to pass on some words of wisdom to students and faculty here at PTHS: “Do what make you happy and enjoy yourself.” From everyone at The Chief and PTHS we would like to congratulate Mr. Sweetwood on an amazing thirty-three years and a happy retirement. Thank you for everything; you will be missed.