Written by Allee Carr
Algona High School is saying goodbye to a wonderful teacher, Mr. Tong Uk Yi. Yi has been an art teacher for 34 years at AHS and before that taught art at Sigourney High School, in addition to coaching wrestling, football, and boys’ track. At AHS he has taught art and photography and was a girls’ track, boys’ wrestling, and middle school football coach throughout the years. He also had the privilege of helping start the high school girls’ wrestling program, helping pioneer opportunities for females in the sport.
One highlight from this year was that Coach Yi was one of the wrestling coaches selected as the Iowa Wrestling Coaches and Officials Association 2A Coach of the Year!
Mr. Yi said, "My favorite part of teaching is building a rapport with my students and collaborating with them to make art.” Every year Mr. Yi takes several students to the NCC Art Show. This year, many of those students were awarded with great awards! Mr. Yi is proud!
Over the years, Yi has come to understand that students thrive when they feel a genuine sense of belonging. Creating that environment is one of the most vital roles that we play as educators. “What we do matters deeply, not just in terms of teaching content, but in shaping how students see themselves and the world around them.”
Junior, Aubrey Gardalen, said, “Mr. Yi taught us that there are no mistakes in art, just ‘creative choices’... and a lot of erasers. His patience was endless, his critiques honest (sometimes brutally so), and his sense of humor made even the worst sketches worth showing. We’ll miss his talent and wisdom.”
Yi said, “I have a lot of gratitude for just being in the Algona school system and I get to work with great students and staff members.” Yi has been fortunate to work with people who have made a lasting impact on him. He is especially grateful for Nick Kuecker, for encouraging him to return to coaching wrestling, which rekindled his passion for the sport and reminded him of why he loves working with student-athletes. Yi also gives a special shoutout to Brian Connick, his longtime coaching partner in girls’ track! “Beyond coaching, our conversations about education during our fishing trips are always meaningful and memorable,” he states.
Mr. Yi really enjoys fishing. You can certainly catch him on a lake in retirement!
Students and staff are going to miss Mr. Yi, but we wish him the best of luck in retirement!