MASTER TEACHER: CHET PREISSER (1928-1971)
I am not finished introducing you to Chet Preisser. Here are some kind words written by Gurnee Munn’ 64 and Ben Duke’ 68 for the Master Teachers’ Reception in 1998:
“ In 1928, when Chester Preisser started his teaching career at Graland, it was a one-building school on the eastern plains of Denver. . . Chet was hired as a physical education instructor and shop teacher. And it was during these early years that his talents helped shape a young school. His shop in the basement of the original school building produced wagons and carts for the donkeys to pull. He built rocking horses and other toys still fondly remembered. The plays in the Little Theatre and King Arthur’s castle all bore evidence of Chet’s skilled hands.
“Besides being a very accomplished gymnast and woodworker, Chet shared many other talents, especially square dancing, with both Graland and the Denver community. In the gymnasium on the top floor of the Georgia Nelson building, he taught students his love for gymnastics, rope climbing, numerous sports, boxing, and most importantly, sportsmanship; his creative gym shows and circuses were always special treats for Graland families.
“Chet also shared with Graland students his love of magic. Every year, as the head of the Halloween parade, he would lead the menagerie of characters and creatures across the campus with a grand finale of one of his famous magic shows. Master teachers like Chet, both present and future, make Graland the special school that it is. . . “
Graland Country Day School
Graland Country Day School is a private school in Denver, Colorado, serving students in preschool, kindergarten, elementary, and middle school. Founded in Denver in 1927, Graland incorporates a rich, experiential learning approach in a traditional classroom setting, emphasizing the development of globally and socially conscious leaders who excel academically.
