Donna Riss
18 years after she first began teaching at Mill Valley, biology teacher Donna Riss will retire at the end of the school year. Her career started in 1984, and looking back, Riss is grateful for the students and opportunities she was given.
“I’ve been really lucky,” Riss said. “I’ve loved it. I’ve loved every
(By Andrew Tow)
school that I’ve taught at. Of course, there are always difficult days and difficult classes, but I’ve really been lucky where I’ve been; I’ve never been unhappy in any of the school settings where I’ve taught.”
Riss hopes her students understand how much she cares about them, both as students and people.
“[I hope students] remember me as somebody that, for the most part, is kind,” Riss said. “I hope they understand that I know that science is not everybody’s cup of tea, and that doesn’t hurt my feelings, but I still care about their learning and want them to do well and care about their well being.”
Riss plans to use her retirement to rest, take care of her grandchildren, explore new hobbies and catch up with friends who have already retired.
“Most of my friends have retired and I’m the one still working,” Riss said. “They get to go have coffee with each other and I’m left out, so I’m excited to join back with those things that they do.”
Travis Keal
After 28 years in the district, physical education teacher Travis Keal is retiring. Starting his teaching career in 1994, Keal has been in the DeSoto district ever since he taught at Starside Elementary in 1997. Keal is a member of the original Mill Valley staff, and was the head wrestling coach until 2022.
Many things have changed for the better since Keal began here.
“[Mill Valley] growing into what it is right now from where it used to be in 2000 was our vision, our dream, our hope and it’s nice to see it happen,” Keal said. “A lot of great people have been through here and helped shape this place.”
For Keal, the best part of coaching and teaching are the connections he has made with each student he taught.
“[I love] watching those light bulb moments go off for kids, whether it be in the classroom or on a wrestling mat,” Keal said. “Seeing them believe in themselves and achieve something they didn’t think they could do is really cool for me.”
In retirement, Keal plans to expand and grow his coaching and mentoring business he created three years ago. Keal mentors coaches through Zoom calls, helping their teams throughout the season.
“I’ve created something I’m good at out of something I really love to do, [but I can] also go help others,” Keal said. “[I believe that] you’re the best person to serve the person you used to be, and that’s my mission right now.”
