On Monday, April 21, Lebanon High School had the honor of recognizing one of its most distinguished and beloved educators and coaches, Marty Collier, at the Board of Education meeting. As part of this recognition, Coach Collier was named the LHS Staff Member of the Year and will be featured in the LHS Yearbook. This marks the end of a significant chapter in Coach Collier's career as he wraps up his final year teaching science and coaching Track & Field for the Warriors. Though we're still working to persuade him to continue coaching, his contributions to Lebanon High School and its athletic programs will never be forgotten.

For 34 years, Coach Collier has been a fixture at Lebanon High School, not just as a science teacher but as a source of knowledge, laughter, and unwavering dedication to his students and athletes. His classroom was always filled with a blend of scientific discovery and his trademark sense of humor, making even the most challenging concepts enjoyable and memorable. Whether he was cracking jokes to lighten the mood or offering a word of encouragement to a student, Marty's presence has always made Lebanon High School a better, brighter place.

Beyond the classroom, Coach Collier has made a profound impact on the Lebanon High School athletic program. Since joining the staff in 1993, he has served in various coaching roles, including serving as the Girls' Head Track Coach, Assistant Cross Country Coach, and Assistant Football Coach. His leadership and commitment to excellence have earned him numerous accolades, including Girls Track Coach of the Year for the FAVC, MML, and GWOC conferences six times. His contributions to the football program were equally impressive, serving as an Assistant Coach for the Warriors' 1997 Region 8 Championship squad and the 1998 State Championship team. In recognition of his exceptional coaching, he was honored with the Miami Valley Football Coaches Association Assistant Coach of the Year award in 1998.

Coach Collier's influence on the track and field team has been nothing short of transformative. Under his guidance, the Warriors have captured several conference championships, including FAVC in 1998, MML in 2003, and GWOC championships from 2008 to 2013. His athletes have consistently excelled at the district, regional, and state levels, including D1 Southwest District Championships in 2010 and 2011, and a fourth-place finish at the State Meet in 2011. Some of his most notable athletes include Ann Worley, the 1993 State Champion in the High Jump, and Jacquelyn Crow, the 2011 State Runner-Up in the 3200m, among many others. The success of these athletes is a testament to Coach Collier's dedication to developing not just great athletes but great individuals.

As Coach Collier prepares to retire from teaching and coaching, his legacy of excellence, mentorship, and passion for education and athletics will continue to inspire future generations of Warriors. His impact on the lives of countless students and athletes cannot be overstated, and his contributions to the Lebanon High School community will be remembered for many years to come.

Head Boys Track Coach and LHS teacher Jason Simcoe shared:

"When I tell parents, community members, friends, and others why I love Lebanon High School, I tell them it is the wonderful people here. And when I think about all of the wonderful people here, one of the first people I think of is Marty Collier. Marty is an amazing teacher, a fantastic coach, and a great friend. Rarely will you catch Marty without a smile on his face as he walks our halls. He loves his subject (anybody who walks around with a rat climbing on his shoulder must love teaching biology), and he loves the people around him (if you've ever had the pleasure of hearing one of his jokes, you see the joy he has in interacting with others). I've been fortunate to spend the last 12 years coaching alongside Marty, watching him impact the lives of hundreds of track athletes. I've seen him celebrate with high fives, and I've seen him lift kids up with a hug, a fist bump, or a smile when they're in tears, feeling like they've failed. Lebanon High School will not be the same without Marty."

We are proud to see Coach Marty Collier honored as the LHS Staff Member of the Year, and we wish him all the best in the next chapter of his life. Thank you, Coach, for everything you have done for Lebanon High School—Finish strong!