Thank You Doc Voorhies

By CHS Alumni
Published/Last Modified on Tuesday, August 4, 2009 5:17 AM CDT

There comes a time when all good things must come to an end, and another good thing has ended at CHS. Donald "Doc" Voorhies, math teacher extraordinaire, has resigned from CHS effective Monday, August 3, 2009. For over thirty years, he built up an exceptional math department, demanding excellence of its students as well as its teachers. His goal has always been to preserve the integrity of his department by maintaining high academic standards and producing students armed and ready for the real world. There are precious few individuals whose names are synonymous with the rock solid foundations of CHS; yours is one of them. Though lately the theatre has absorbed your tremendous talents and energy, it is our fondest wish that one day you may return to teach again at your alma mater. We appreciate you and will miss your presence on the campus you once called home.

Advertisement

Copyright © 2010 The Daily Iberian

Comments

    Drew Fullerton wrote on Oct 10, 2009 9:16 AM:

    " I was probably your worst student but I had no greater respect for any teacher than I had for you. I am sorry to hear that the climate has changed so much at CHS and hope that you will return once things improve. "

    John JP Poirier wrote on Aug 21, 2009 5:56 PM:

    " My first and only experience I had working with Doc was in the play Oklahoma. He was the director in charge of a very large cast of people. I've directed musicals in Opelousas so I know what it is to try and make it "work". He has the patience and the demeanor of a professional. I applaud him and am very happy to see the support he's getting from so many people. We should be grateful for such a fine gentleman and scholar. "

    Rick Barras wrote on Aug 19, 2009 9:53 PM:

    " I attended CHS for only 2 years, and was never a student of Doc Voorhies. But I was a science fair nerd, and Doc -- through his usual M.O. of inspiring greatness -- helped me overhaul my projects into winners (of varying degrees) at the parish, regional, and state levels.

    Kudos, sir, for your passion, for your contribution, for your legacy.

    And shame on those who would purport to tarnish it. "

    lsu alum wrote on Aug 18, 2009 9:05 PM:

    " I'll never forget the first time I got "in trouble" at CHS. It was a parent meeting with Doc in the 8th grade, and he stated to my father that he didn't think I should continue with the AP program ( but i did). I heard such disappointment in his voice and realized that night that he was unlike other teachers, at the time I couldn't understand it, but I knew he truly wanted to believe in me. He and Coach Conner are the reasons I hold a double degree in both Math and Chemistry :) They are missed! "

    S. wrote on Aug 18, 2009 2:14 PM:

    " Doc - you never gave up on me - even when I struggled with Geometry - you welcomed me into your honors class the next year with fresh eyes - your support and encouragement, despite my failures the prior year - helped me to soar and realize my strengths and weaknesses! You will forever be one of my favorite teachers! "

    Stacey Judice Walker wrote on Aug 18, 2009 10:35 AM:

    " My love and support to you in all of your future endeavors. You were the push I needed to enter into the Engineering Field and would not have succeeded as I have without you as a teacher and as an inspriration. I am so proud that my eldest was taught by you and saddened that the two younger ones will miss out. "

    James Peter Louviere wrote on Aug 17, 2009 8:50 PM:

    " One must never accept gratuitous dishonor. If one is attacked in the media by one's professional leader, the honorable thing to do is to resign, removing a perceived roadblock from the path the principal want to travel. Bad timing? Certainly not. If Dr. Uhl is justified, then Dr. Voorhies was duty-bound to remove himself from the school he is alleged to have harmed. On the other had, if Dr. Uhl is wrong, Dr. Voorhies is totally justified in removing himself from intolerable circumstances. His well-earned acclaim is not to be ignored. "

    Past student wrote on Aug 17, 2009 8:38 PM:

    " Doc, I cannot express my gratitude towards you appropriately. It is because of you that I tested out of all but one math class and college, and was told not to come back for the last test and the final because of making 100s on all other tests. I will never forget you or your class. Yes, it was very difficult at the time but I am so thankful. Sadly now for CHS, there will be a lot of chalk floating around on the ground! "

    Elexis Thomas wrote on Aug 17, 2009 10:14 AM:

    " Doc, thank you for being such a great teacher. You were one of my favorite teachers. Because of you, all of my college math courses were a breeze. You have taught me that 'hard work is a prayer to God'.....Thank you, thank you, thank you!!! Enjoy your retirement and continue to wear your A2 (squared) shirt! "

    jamie babineaux wrote on Aug 16, 2009 8:14 PM:

    " Dear Doc,
    Thanks for helping me turn my broken jaw into a science fair project - that won! I wish you the best and hope CHS gets its head on straight again one day. "

    Taylor Ducote wrote on Aug 16, 2009 1:53 PM:

    " Doc is probably the best teacher this earth will ever see. Not exaggerating. He has inspired me to become a math teacher.

    Yes, I have defended T. Uhl in the past. But I this huge loss will be devastating to CHS and it's future.

    It's a sad day when a once great school is reduced to such fragments. "

    Brynne Hebert LeLeux wrote on Aug 15, 2009 1:43 AM:

    " Thank you Doc for all that you've done for our family!!! You were not only a great teacher but you were truly a friend & still are to all of us Hebert kids & of course mom & dad. Now that you are gone from CHS it's officially done. We all know that you stuck it out this long for the kids. Thank you for all of your years to CHS. Enjoy the theatre & your retirement. We look forward to the Christmas Eve get togethers for years to come!!! We love you & CHS will be lost without you!! "

    Ken Conner wrote on Aug 13, 2009 11:37 PM:

    " Doc, 100 words seems insufficient to thank you for all of the lives you've touched. You found and developed potential in me that I didn't even know I had, just as you did in countless other students. Your masterful motivation and caring discipline made your actual teaching that much more effective. And just as Gladys Viator's example inspired your teaching, so too have you inspired a new generation of teachers. You will be missed, but your legacy will live on. Thank you for thirty years worth of changed lives. "

    Brett Judice wrote on Aug 13, 2009 9:16 AM:

    " Doc actually made all of our Math courses fun! I never would have made it through my college Math courses without your help. What other teacher do you know of that worships the band RUSH and borrows their students metal albums because he was interested in what his students were listening to. You were also the only teacher to stand up to our idioctic principal, Brother Robert. My kids will NEVER attend Catholic High. Thank you for everything, Doc. "

    Russ Romero Jr. wrote on Aug 12, 2009 9:44 PM:

    " I had the priveledge of Doc teaching me five courses, from Algebra 1 through Calculus 1. I told Doc that I was thinking about going to college for engineering. He was honest with me, told me I would have to take some classes over but I could do it. I'm sure I would not be an engineer today if not for Doc and his ability to teach, not only math but life lessons. Doc is the person I'd pick to teach my kids, that's the highest praise I could give a teacher! Thanks Doc! "

    Jenny DAlbor wrote on Aug 12, 2009 10:41 AM:

    " Doc taught me more than math.... I remember one day in class someone asked, "What's the purpose of life?" Doc responded simply, "To know, love, and serve the Lord." I may have forgotten some math formulas, but I have never forgotten that lesson. It has helped me get through many struggles and tests of faith. Doc is one of a kind. "

    doc wrote on Aug 11, 2009 11:55 PM:

    " Open our hearts and you will see forever graved inside of it.. "Doc"

    You believed in me and us and it made all the difference in the world. Thank You! You are one of a kind, Doc. I have yet to run into a more unselfish soul. Wish you the best. "

    CHS Parent wrote on Aug 11, 2009 10:41 PM:

    " I think it's a great idea to replace Uhl with Doc, I hope his few supporters will follow him wherever he ends up!!! "

    Brooks Babineaux wrote on Aug 11, 2009 10:32 PM:

    " Doc,

    You are one of the greatest teachers I have had in my life (and I've had A LOT of teachers - 5 years college + dental school) and that is no exaggeration.

    You taught my father, his colleagues, my colleagues, and myself. I still think about those days in your class at CHS and all of the science and social studies fairs. You will be missed immensely by the CHS community.

    Thanks for all that you have given us "

    Sam wrote on Aug 11, 2009 8:29 PM:

    " I am reading this about Doc Voohries, and I knew who he was when I went to high school over 20 years ago. I went to NISH though, but even I knew who he was. That's too bad that you guys are losing him. I knew people that sent their kids there just because of him. What a huge loss. "

    Denise Hebert wrote on Aug 11, 2009 9:55 AM:

    " Doc, Thanks for all of your hard work. You have touched many of young lives by your skills. Many thanks! "

    Melissa wrote on Aug 10, 2009 7:14 PM:

    " Damon, who was second guessing Doc's decision, it looks to me like everyone will miss him and is sorry to see him go! I know I am! "

    Richard Spears wrote on Aug 10, 2009 6:13 PM:

    " I notice that the Doc detractors don't post their names but that many of the Doc supporters do. 30 plus years, hundreds of students in math oriented professions, dozens of first place state rally winners, best organized school science fair in the state, donated the track, a role model for us as he always taught, never took a day off by giving us a worksheet, taught from bell to bell, graded a hundred homework assignments every night, at school by 7a.m. to tutor anyone who needed help, all while donating most or all of his salary. Shame, detractors. "

    Kenny Hebert wrote on Aug 10, 2009 3:25 PM:

    " Doc,

    "Thank you" will never be enough. You didnt just teach us math, you taught us how to learn. I just dont know how you're going to get through the day no longer covered in chalk dust. Thanks again. "

    Another CHS parent wrote on Aug 10, 2009 3:24 PM:

    " Could we work on replacing Uhl with Doc? "

    Reece Theriot wrote on Aug 10, 2009 12:25 PM:

    " It is because of Doc that I was able to stay at CHS. He is one of the biggest role models in my life and will always be. Thanks you Doc for everything you have done for me and for others. You are a living saint. God Bless. "

    Charlie Kibbe wrote on Aug 10, 2009 10:45 AM:

    " Thanks for all you have done, Doc. I am personally embarrassed by your treatment. "

    Damon Arabie wrote on Aug 10, 2009 9:20 AM:

    " Doc – Thank you! You were a positive force in my academic life and helped to make me the man that I have become. "

    Damon Arabie wrote on Aug 10, 2009 9:20 AM:

    " We’ve trusted Doc to teach us and our children for years, so why do some of you feel that you should second guess him now? He has the right to make choices, just like every one of you. Although some of you obviously don’t agree with the decision, you must realize that Doc has given most of his life the us, our children, our school, and our community. This is the time to recognize him for the positive impact he has had in all of these areas and not to boo him for his choice to move on. "

    Melissa wrote on Aug 9, 2009 11:37 PM:

    " Doc, Ken Conner, Mr "B" (Vincent Barras), and Mr. Monnin were great teachers who influenced alot of students. Doc was always willing to show you how to do problems in different ways. Ken, I didn't have him as a teacher but I grew up with him and I know he cared about his students. Mr. B used to always sing our lessons to us, something I miss & he knows this b/c I tell him every time I see him. Doc, u will be missed! "

    with gratitude... wrote on Aug 9, 2009 10:11 PM:

    " Doc-I can't begin to express how thankful I am for the amazing teacher you were and are! I rarely made better than a C in your class, but you never gave up on me and because of your classes over my years at CHS, I excelled in college math classes. Some things I appreciate as much as your instruction are the example you gave by truly living "Acta non Verba", your faithful adherence to the philosophy of "to work is to pray", and even your corny A2 jokes:) Countless thanks, praises &prayers Doc!
    Best wishes for the future! "

    Debbie wrote on Aug 9, 2009 8:14 PM:

    " yes it is time Wake up and smell the coffee, thats right, its time to strengthen the things that remain. To stand up and be there for those who were willing and had the courage to stay and do their jobs. Keep up the good work Dr. Uhl. We support you and stand behind all the Catholic High Family "

    LM wrote on Aug 9, 2009 1:39 PM:

    " Doc,
    you were an amazing teacher that never failed to make your students strive to do your best. It is almost impossible to forget lessons like "goldfinger" while you rolled across the classroom pretending to be James Bond or your famous Homecoming shirt and the hilarious stories you made up to go with it or march 14... "pie day" it upsets me that future students will not be able to learn as much from you as I did:) "

    Doc supporter wrote on Aug 9, 2009 9:13 AM:

    " To Mavis, Begneaud,and Hargrove

    Pleaes lets talk about professionalism - how professional is it to call out a member of your staff in a newspaper? or as the principal to criticize your school in a newspaper? Doc would still be there this year if uhl would have left things alone, but his ego just made him publish his editorial. Now he just needs to deal with the fall out . "

    To Doc Bashers wrote on Aug 9, 2009 7:43 AM:

    " Those who say that we are better without him - well I know that none of you had him. Those who say he was unprofessional when he quit at the beginning of the school year; well that's Dr. Uhl's fault for a targeted slap in the face in his guest editorial the week before school started. It was the straw that broke the camel's back. Blame TU "

    To Mavis wrote on Aug 8, 2009 10:36 PM:

    " You're so sweet. I don't imagine that he is proud, but merely relieved. And really what would two weeks have done? To stick around and work for a man who insulted you directly in the Daily Iberian? To work for a church whose religious leaders say to trust them blindly? Rosa Parks once protested by refusing to give up her seat. I think Doc has protested by giving his up. "

    To All Naysayers wrote on Aug 8, 2009 10:29 PM:

    " To those who think Doc's leaving was unprofessional, how would you react to a letter from your superiors that argued that you aren't working for the good of the school? That you are a 'federation' incapable of rowing in the same direction? That if you have questions/concerns, you are listening to voices other than the Lord's? When you've had enough, you leave, and Doc did.

    And until all you have actually worked for Uhl, you have a lot of nerve saying that people should stick it out. 71 have gone. They must all be wrong and Uhl right. "

    Stephen wrote on Aug 8, 2009 8:38 PM:

    " I would like to point out, one poster said: served with little or no pay. In Doc's case; it was no pay. Doc has not drawn a salary for many years. If you don't think something is wrong at CHS, it's time to wake up and smell the coffee. Doc is the definition of perfection and professionalism. Unfortunately, Dr. Uhl is the exact opposite. Good luck, Doc. CHS will miss you immensely. "

    Mavis wrote on Aug 8, 2009 5:03 PM:

    " I guess there are some who are proud of quitting a job that way.....I just couldn't do it. I mean, I would have given the standard two weeks notice regardless of what I thought. "

    Begneaud wrote on Aug 8, 2009 4:59 PM:

    " If those teachers don't wanna stay they can leave. Our community needs those who are there now, who want to stay and make a difference in our students lives. "

    to Hargrove wrote on Aug 8, 2009 4:56 PM:

    " I agree. I don't care how many years a person works somewhere, there is a way to leave a position. Doing it this way seems rather unprofessional to me. My kids are happy there. I want them taught by those who Want to teach. "

    Hargrove wrote on Aug 8, 2009 4:53 PM:

    " What respect to the students to quit like that! Let those who can't handle things leave. Let those who wanna teach do their jobs. We support our schools and all those who work there. "

    David Eastin wrote on Aug 8, 2009 9:20 AM:

    " Doc thank you for the years at CHS and the friendship since. Your math instruction is what got me through two engineering degrees. And your instruction on scientific method is what has gotten me through my career thus far. I use something you have taught me just about every day of my life. This I say with 100% certainty. Every time I solve a trig problem or a system of equations, permute variables, or run statistics I think of you.
    Thank you "

    David Eastin wrote on Aug 8, 2009 9:05 AM:

    " Over the past few years I have watched from afar as several outstanding teachers have either been displaced from, or voluntarily left CHS. To me, this is a clear indication that something is severely broken there. Twelve years of working on huge NASA, and DOD contracts has taught me that talented people vote with their feet. And a mass exodus of the workforce is a clear indication of broken management. "

    C. Dugas wrote on Aug 7, 2009 10:01 PM:

    " Doc, I'd like to thank you for the many years you taught both myself and my brother. I started taking your classes in the 8th grade, and I did not expect to excel with your help the way that I did. I ended up with a 36 in math on my ACT and I have no one else to thank but you.
    Without your teaching, neither I nor my brother would have excelled in the maths and sciences like we did.

    So thank you Doc... and enjoy your retirement. You deserve it. "

    About Doc wrote on Aug 7, 2009 9:29 PM:

    " Professionalism! Coming from Doc himself: he felt that he would not stay the year under the poor leadership of Uhl. He foresees it going from bad to worse based on past situations. Instead of leaving mid-year and the students being devastated then, he would rather let them start fresh with one teacher. Now that's thinking of the children; they've had enough change so he was protecting them by making this move. Doc is a great model for children/adults and will be greatly missed. "

    Concerned wrote on Aug 7, 2009 9:26 PM:

    " Just when you think things couldn't get worse at CHS-- Doc resigns. Countless teachers (good ones who were loyal to CHS) have either been dismissed or ended up leaving on their own. WAY TO GO UHL. "

    Steven Metz wrote on Aug 7, 2009 6:46 PM:

    " Teachers such as Doc, Vincent Barras, Coach Conner, Cheryl Freyou, Lucy Lissard, and many others were the people that gave Catholic High School its amazing reputation. Without them, CHS students would not have been pushed to expand their education and intelligence beyond the normal classroom minimum (which was already elevated beyond the normal high school level).

    Without a doubt, I can proudly say that I am thankful, more than mere words can express, to have learned under these teachers and graduated from Catholic High School.

    Thank you for helping me become the person I am today. "

    David Brady wrote on Aug 7, 2009 6:42 PM:

    " I was fortunate enough that both of my sons got to study under Doc during their time at Catholic High. The impact that Doc had on their math skills goes without question. Doc not only had the expertise to teach math, but he inspired his students to want to learn. His influence on their lives extended beyond the classroom. I wish him well in his future endeavors. "

    Debbi Logan wrote on Aug 7, 2009 6:08 PM:

    " Dear Doc--

    Thank you so much for your help and kindness. You are an incredible inspiration both to me and to all of the students who have passed through your door. Good luck in all that you do in the future. I look forward to seeing you on the stage...

    Debbi Logan "

    CHS Alum wrote on Aug 7, 2009 9:10 AM:

    " To Ivan- Regarding Ivan's post, do you know the circumstances regarding Doc leaving his position? He was a fabulous teacher and retiring before school begins has nothing to with his professionalism! He is & will always be a fantastic teacher and he taught me a number things other than math and that included being professional even when you are somewhere you no longer have the passion to be which is likely the story with Doc. From what I've gathered Dr. Uhl is the wrong man for the job and it needs to be addressed! "

    CHS Parent wrote on Aug 7, 2009 9:08 AM:

    " To To Ivan

    Don't poke a sleeping bear with a big stick because they just may wake up and bite you.

    If Fr Charles and Uhl wouldnt have started these forums, then these problems wouldn't be going on. I'm sure that if your boss called you out in a public newspaper that you would have just kept your tail tucked and head down and stayed where you were?
    The reason Doc left only one week before school started is because Uhl gave him the shove out the door one week before school started. "

    to Ivan wrote on Aug 6, 2009 8:59 PM:

    " yeah, great way to kick off a retirement with the abrupt resignation. Right before school starts? Reminds me of another of your beloved teachers who resigned the same way. Is this how outstanding educators teach our students professionalism? "

    David wrote on Aug 6, 2009 11:52 AM:

    " Doc, thanks for your outstanding service to our community. The math tournaments and science fairs were awesome! Best wishes to you! "

    Ivan wrote on Aug 5, 2009 4:56 PM:

    " Teachers like Doc, Vince Barras, Ken Connors, just to name a few, have done more to educate the people of Iberia Parish and to make Iberia Parish a better place for us to live, than some people give them credit for. They worked for little or no pay and put their lives on hold to make our community better. I know that my children are better people for having them as teachers. These teachers are loved and respected by many, especially by my family. Doc, thanks for a job well done and good luck. Enjoy your retirement. "

    Miz kitty wrote on Aug 5, 2009 12:48 AM:

    " Dr. Donald "Doc" Voorhies will be greatly missed by all as he was a great teacher as well as an awesome person, enjoy your retirement "

    CHS Parent wrote on Aug 4, 2009 12:09 PM:

    " My husband and I both shared the privilege of being taught by Doc. His experience was a little better than mine, I happened to fail more tests than passing, but Doc never gave up on me. He was always available for his students before or after school for those who needed extra help. I am deeply sorry that my son will not have the opportunity to take Docs class because I believe that Doc could have brought out greatness in him. He happens to have his fathers Math brain not mine. "

    Vincent P. Barras wrote on Aug 4, 2009 7:20 AM:

    " Doc taught me for four straight years of Math, and I knew he had inspired at least 20 students, including myself, to become teachers. I was a senior in his class when he was awarded the Presidential Math Teacher Award. I know of no finer man who taught his students not only about subject matters but about life and its great rewards. In talking with Doc recently, we estimated that I was possibly his first student to later become a teacher and work with him. It is a privilege I will carry proudly for the rest of my days. "

WRITE A COMMENT

Use the form below to post a brief comment related to this story. Use the word count tool to assist you in keeping your remarks to 100 words or fewer.

•Comments must be approved by an editor or the publisher before appearing on the Web site but are not verified for accuracy nor have we verified the identity of any person supposedly posting an comment. Please consider this as you consider any statement made. A thoughtful contribution to the online discussion is appreciated.

• Please note your comments must attempt to follow basic rules of grammar and punctuation or they will not be posted. Do not use unfamiliar abbreviations or text-like short cuts, like ur for your. Please keep your tone civil. You can say someone's idea is stupid but you cannot say someone is stupid.

• Comments should deal with matters of public concern. Problems with private individuals or private companies are not likely to get posted.

• Questions or comments about items posted should be e-mailed to dailyiberian@bellsouth.net.

(optional)
Current Word Count:
   

Classifieds

Jobs

Jobs

View All Jobs

Homes

Homes

View All Homes

Autos

Autos

View All Autos


Contact Us

Subscribe
Vacation Hold
General Email

Mailing Address:
The Daily Iberian
P.O. Box 9290
New Iberia, LA
70562-9290

Street Address:
926 East Main St.
New Iberia, LA 70560

Phone:
(337) 365-6773

Fax:
(337)-367-9640

Inside Louisiana:
800-365-6773

Local Weather