After 23 years of teaching, Kimberly Coil will retire at the conclusion of this school year, leaving behind a legacy that reaches far beyond the walls of her history classroom. Coil has shaped generations of students, teaching courses such as World History and Modern American Culture.
“I realize that not everybody loves history, but I love it enough for all of us,” Coil said. “History has so many different facets, so my hope is that students find something that interests them by the end of the year.”
Even students who have never sat in her classroom have likely experienced her influence through the curriculum she has developed for other classes within the department. Throughout her time at FHN, Coil has supported various student clubs and organizations, such as Varsity Cheerleading, the Young Democrat and Republican Clubs, and Scholar Quiz. She currently runs the senior chapter of National Honor Society, whose members are incredibly grateful for her contributions.
“She genuinely really cares about the club,” president of Senior NHS Kayla Spoors said. “She wants to make a difference in our community, and she’s very much a motivator, always helping all of us officers out. Not only does she want the club to do well, but she wants us to do well as people.”
That desire to teach and to help students grow has always been central to who Coil is.
“I have always wanted to be a teacher,” Coil said. “I have just always loved everything about school. I loved the whole environment. I loved learning. I loved the kids. I loved the teachers, and I just wanted to do what they did.”
As she retires alongside the Class of 2026, Coil’s career has come full circle.
“Up and down the halls, there are a lot of my colleagues that were people that I’ve taught, and it’s so very rewarding to be back working with them,” Coil said.
Needless to say, when Coil retires at the end of this year, she will be leaving a school shaped by her steadfast presence throughout these years, and countless students that appreciate all that she’s done for North.
“She’s always the one I’m able to go to if I ever have any problems or issues,” Spoors said. “She was always just there for me, so I’m definitely gonna miss her when she’s gone.”
