When Adrian Felix walks through the doors at his former school this August, it will be a full-circle moment.

Felix is joining Chandler View Elementary as a physical education teacher, taking on the role of his former teacher, who retired in May. The opportunity brings big shoes to fill, following someone who helped him succeed in school.

“Ms. Tamara Freeburg helped me a lot when I was a student there,” said Felix. “It’s a mix of emotions, but it will be nice to be back there.”

Felix attended the Omaha Public Schools from elementary school through high school. After high school, he attended the University of Nebraska Omaha to pursue his dream of becoming a teacher. Then, he joined our district as a student teacher, serving students at Spring Lake Elementary.

“I’m an Omaha Public Schools kid, and I want to be a role model for those kids in similar situations that I was in growing up,” said Felix. “I want to show them that you can make a difference and give them that light that might not always be shining on them.”

Felix says his experience as an Omaha Public Schools student inspired him to join our district as a full-time educator.

“I’m excited for the next journey, and I appreciate everyone who has been a part of this one. It means a lot to me,” he said.

Felix made a lasting impact on students and staff during his time as a student teacher. Spring Lake Elementary surprised him with an end-of-year send-off. Guests included many of those who helped him along the way.

His cooperating teacher, Spring Lake Elementary’s Aimee Noel, coordinated the celebration. She says Felix will continue to benefit students for many years to come.

“Adrian is very detail-oriented and has great compassion for the kids,” said Noel. “He’s very open to learning and becoming a better teacher. I believe he’ll be an impact on our profession.”

Throughout the building that day, Spring Lake Elementary staff wore shirts representing the colors of the schools he attended, symbolizing the milestones in his education. Students also delivered hand-made cards for their student teacher.

“It feels really rewarding that these people know that they mean what they mean to me,” said Felix. “They’re here for me on something that I am proud to accomplish after all this time."