By Leana Rodriguez

Deeply rooted within the McCaskey community is a teacher named Frank Albrecht. Better known as Brother Albrecht, his passion for education shines brightly, guiding students toward a brighter future.

Albrecht started teaching at McCaskey High School in 1985, originally as a gym teacher. In 1990 his passion for teaching changed, leading him to start a peer mediation program. 

Today you can find Albrecht in room A124, which for a long time was known as the ISS room where students went to serve their in-school suspensions. After his arrival, the classroom became known as the McCaskey Reflection Center, which has not only changed the name of the classroom but also the goal of the students entering. It is now a place where students are encouraged to make positive mindset changes that lead to improved decision-making and therefore, greater success in school and in life. 

“Working at McCasky has been fantastic from the day I started until today, I’ve never had a bad day  at McCasky. Have there been some bumps? Yes, but a bump doesn’t make a bad day, it just makes it a challenging moment.”

Albrecht’s interest in teaching started for him in the 9th grade, and ever since then he has lived out and pursued his passion.“I really love my career as a teacher and for me it is a calling. When I say calling, I think I have been placed on this earth to help other people,” says Albrecht.

His 38 years of working at McCaskey High School is unfortunately coming to an end this year, as he has announced his retirement. “I didn’t want to ever say I’m retiring but life does have stages.’’ 

In June of 2023 Albrecht was diagnosed with ALS, which is a nervous system disease that weakens muscles and impacts physical function. “Probably it will go to my left leg and my arm and chewing muscles, but it’s ok, because I’m here today giving it one hundred percent and I really want to finish as strong as I can.” 

Although this will be his last year at McCaskey, Brother Albrecht wants the whole community to know that: “With Dr. Reese directing us, and his fantastic administration, the great group of teachers that we have, and all the fantastic students, we are navigating through better and better waters.”

Not a single student who has known Brother Albrecht can deny his characteristic positivity and encouragement. “I really deeply love every person on this campus and I really wish that each student will make the changes necessary to think about their future and give one hundred percent in everything they do. Striving for excellence will make you not just happy today but very content for a bright future.”