Community mourns loss of music teacher

Jaiden Herald | Co-Editor-in-Chief

The Scott County School District 2 community grieved the loss of beloved, retired teacher and substitute teacher Owen Egeberg on Feb. 25.

“He was the kindest, most gentle [and] most genuine person I have ever had the privilege and honor of knowing,” teacher Tamah DePriest said.

Egeberg taught music classes at Scottsburg Middle and High schools for 16 years before retiring in 2014.

“He was an extremely caring teacher and individual. He was always supportive of all the kids he taught and interacted with. He would give the shirt off his back, that’s how kind, nice and caring he was. He spread a lot of positivity through his teaching and interactions with all students and staff,” said Curits Turner, SHS band director.

During Egeberg’s tenure, he also served as choir director.

“He was very passionate about music. He always strived to push his students toward excellence. He got student’s out of their comfort zone. He was able to push kids and get them to really enjoy singing and learning about music,” Turner said.

Following his retirement, Egeberg continued to substitute teach as his health allowed.

“Mr. E was the sweetest guy. He always brought a positive energy when he would sub and everyone loved him,” Kynleigh Watson (12) said.

“He was always a kind soul and very good at keeping kids happy and engaged. He made music class fun,” Riley Pool (12) said.

Funeral services were held on Feb. 28 and Feb. 29 at Turning Point Church, where Egeberg was a long time member.

“He left every person, whether a kid or adult, feeling like he genuinely cared about their welfare,” DePriest said.