The 2021-2022 school year marks the final stop on Mr. Oliver Beckwith’s remarkable teaching career, which started in the fall of 1996. 

Remarkable, however, is an understated description of Mr. Beckwith’s time at AHS. 

As a teacher who has been on campus for 26 years, Mr. Beckwith witnessed changes that a majority of the staff did not: the construction of the S-Building, A-Building, and the PAC. When he started teaching, all of the classrooms had chalkboards. Then in 2006, Mr. Beckwith became the first teacher at AHS to have a smartboard. This was not without effort, however, as he had to “prove that [he] could use one” with a research paper submitted to the district.  

He saw the creation of an archaeology class at AHS—where students would excavate surrounding bushes—and helped teach it on top of ELD, World History, and US History. But he also saw its removal due to the remodeling of the school. 

The highlights of Mr. Beckwith’s career are his unique experiences at school. He once had an ELD student who had four black-and-white photos on her desk: three of them were of teachers, but the fourth was of Mao Zedong and another man. Mr. Beckwith pointed to the man next to Mao Zedong and asked who that was, to which the girl replied, “My grandfather.” As it turns out, her grandfather was Mao Zedong’s personal assistant, and Mr. Beckwith had the opportunity to meet him when he visited the high school. 

In 2001, Mr. Beckwith interviewed for the opportunity to travel with other teachers to Japan. During his visit to the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, he was deeply moved to write the city a letter promising to always tell the story of the A-bomb to his students. Roughly 15 years later, he wrote a letter to former President Obama who was thinking of visiting Hiroshima. Miraculously, Obama actually visited and personally replied to Mr. Beckwith’s letter. 

These special moments display Mr. Beckwith’s love of history, which he will continue to express after his retirement. From watching World War II aircraft at the Reno Air Races this fall, to volunteering for museums as a tour guide, there are exciting plans for his future.

“I packed a suitcase full of memories,” Mr. Beckwith expressed. “My time with students has been incredible and memorable.” 

His departing words to fellow staff members are to “keep doing what you’re doing.” Those Mr. Beckwith has worked with are “fantastic people and teachers” whom he will miss dearly. 

As a personable teacher with loads of fascinating stories and a genuine care for his students, Mr. Beckwith will be equally missed by the school. His contributions will undoubtedly leave a legacy in Arcadia. The Arcadia Quill wishes Mr. Beckwith a relaxing and enjoyable retirement!

Photos courtesy of AHS Yearbook