Beloved Columbus teacher who went ‘extra mile’ to be honored by those he left behind
His auctioneer voice. His big red truck. His love of Cook’s Hot Dogs and bringing Golden Donuts for the students and staff.
But there’s a more lasting reason the late Bobby Campbell was considered “the” substitute teacher at Columbus High School — and why more than 200 folks have registered for the fundraiser walk in his honor.
“He would focus on more than just the curriculum,” CHS junior Laura Kate Holden, the student council president, told the Ledger-Enquirer. “He would focus on who you were and who you were going to be and your goals and your aspirations.”
Whether it was smiling and saying hey in the hallway or asking how you are and really listening to the answer, or sharing a life lesson through a story from his missionary trips, Campbell showed CHS what Laura Kate called his “servant heart.”
“So I think we want to celebrate that,” she said.
They will do it Dec. 14 with an event called “Campbell’s Kids for a Cure,” starting with registration at noon at the school’s gym, followed by the 1 p.m. walk around Lakebottom Park. All proceeds from the $25 entry fee, which includes lunch and a T-shirt, will go to the American Cancer Society, organizers said.
His wife, Linda Campbell, a real estate agent with Coldwell Banker/Kennon, Parker, Duncan & Davis, said her “reaction was overwhelming to CHS wanting to do this in his honor.”
Campbell lost his battle with colon cancer Sept. 13. He was 72. But he won the hearts of CHS students and staff by serving the school for 27 years, first as an English teacher, then the last 11 years as a substitute teacher.
When she walked into a classroom and saw that Campbell would be teaching her class, Laura Kate said, she would think, “It’s going to be a good day.”
That’s because, she said, “When the teacher takes the extra mile … to invest the time and effort and energy and emotional bandwidth into that, it creates an environment that’s more open.”
Campbell often gave students this advice, she recalled: “Be a good person and focus on what makes you happy. He would really try to bring out the joy in us.”
CHS science teacher Karlyn McConnell said Campbell “quietly behind the scenes helped children who were less fortunate and tried to be a role model. He loved without seeing color, gender or socioeconomic status.”
Laura Solomons, another CHS science teacher, noted staff members relied on Campbell as well.
“I cannot tell you how many times Mr. Campbell bailed me out at 5 a.m., when my kids were sick and I needed a sub,” she said. “He would cancel his golf game or appointment to help me because he knew how tough it was to be a parent.”
IF YOU GO
What: “Campbell’s Kids for a Cure” fundraising walk to benefit the American Cancer Society in honor of the late Columbus High School teacher Bobby Campbell.
When/where: Dec. 14; registration begins at noon at the school’s gym; walk around Lakebottom Park begins at 1 p.m.
Cost: $25 minimum donation, includes lunch and a T-shirt.
Advance registration and more info: At the school office, or email columbuscampbell1700@gmail.com, or on the “Columbus Campbell” Facebook page or on Instagram.
