Covering the Bronco Nation.

The Rider Online | Legacy HS Student Media

Covering the Bronco Nation.

The Rider Online | Legacy HS Student Media

Covering the Bronco Nation.

The Rider Online | Legacy HS Student Media

Open Letter To Bronco Nation from Dave Mason

Former Art teacher Dave Mason leaves Legacy for AP job in Castleberry ISD. Mr. Mason was hired the first week of school.
Former Art teacher Dave Mason leaves Legacy for AP job in Castleberry ISD. Mr. Mason was hired the first week of school.

An open letter to Bronco Nation…

On August 14, 2015, I made one of the hardest decisions I’ve ever had to make in my 41 years on this earth; to leave Legacy High School and Mansfield ISD. I want you all to know the decision to leave was not easy and one that weighs heavy on my conscience to this day. The opportunity to advance my career is not at issue, it’s leaving behind hundreds of students and teachers without having the chance to say goodbye that has haunted me the past few weeks. I’m sure many are angry, surprised, supportive and some just don’t care, but I care and I did not plan for my legacy (no pun intended) to end the way it did. My departure has left a department scrambling to find a replacement and has put an undue stress on people I care dearly about as they start the new year in very unfamiliar territory. To you guys, I can only say you are the best team I’ve ever worked with and I have no doubt you will be just fine as the school year moves ahead. You guys can handle anything thrown your way and I know my students are in good hands.

To the staff. What else can I say that I have not already said? Many of you have been here from the beginning and we built an amazing school and culture that has yet to be replicated anywhere else, and trust me, I’ve been around. Every member of Bronco Nation that has come and gone thru the halls of Legacy has left and impact on me in one way or the other. This is why I came to Legacy and this is why I’ve worked so hard to make Legacy a place unlike any other high school. I like Legacy so much I didn’t even charge Mr. Wright when I created Legacy logo so many years ago! I did it for free. At least I know that I will always be part of Legacy when I see the red and black Bronco around town. I was hoping I could speak to all of you during your faculty meeting on August 17, but the thought of saying goodbye was just too much and I just couldn’t get the words to move past my tears. I hope you forgive me for not saying goodbye formally and please know I will keep in touch.

To my students: This is new territory for me. I’m used to sending you off at graduation to bigger and better things and here I am off to bigger and possibly better things (it’s early and the jury is still out) and I’m not sure what to do. How can I sum up all the emotion and feelings I have in a few sentences? I guess I can start with the one thing you’ve heard me say over and over again; you are like my own children and I would do anything and everything for you. I know you know that to be true and although I will not be there to guide you on the pottery wheel or thru your AP Studio Art portfolio or enter your work in a bunch of art contests, but I am there in spirit and everything I taught you the past few years is still in you and I know you will succeed. I wish I was speaking to you under different circumstances but I know that I will always be there for you, really. I may not be a Legacy Bronco on paper, but I am an honorary member and if I can help you in anyway, I will still only be a phone call or email away. I still live in Mansfield so it’s not like I’m gone forever. Like I said before, you are all in good hands and although the scenery has changed, the expectations I set for you and you set for yourselves should remain constant, because remember, when you win, Big Daddy wins!! You will do great things in your life and I am proud to say I was a small part of it. I love you all and you will never be forgotten.

Thank you,
Dave “Big Daddy” Mason

 

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  • X

    xavier benitezApr 13, 2017 at 1:58 pm

    Is it ttrue that they called you big daddy mason?

  • E

    EggJan 22, 2016 at 9:19 am

    LITtereaally same

  • D

    DollySep 4, 2015 at 5:19 pm

    Wow! What a heartfelt & emotional goodbye. I know you are an amazing teacher & mentor. Best wishes in your new endeavor!

  • F

    FelinaSep 4, 2015 at 4:31 pm

    Nooo!!! Mr.mason u were such a great art teacher when i was there i missed some most of my classes except yours.. i loved that class