Following four incredible years of wisdom, friendship, and guidance, our outstanding teacher, Leo, has embarked on a new journey. His absence leaves a huge void in our hearts that we will strive to fill with all of the lessons that he taught each of us. As we remember him, we can't help but recall his unique quirks and qualities that made him so special. All of the amazing experiences and memories we share with him, between making delicious microwave mug cakes in advisory to conducting gel electrophoresis in science, Leo will forever hold a unique place within all of us. Right now let's take an expedition back in time and reminisce about all of our favorite moments that encapsulate his time with KLS.

In Leo's advisory, the air was thick with anticipation. This year, the students were hungry (as usual) and had thought up the idea of a “Food Social”. Once getting the whole class involved, they decided on a mug cake food social. Of course, Leo agreed and promised to deliver. On a typical Tuesday, everyone brought ingredients to make rainbow, chocolate, red velvet, and vanilla mug cakes. A couple minutes later, the whole room was a mess. “It’s a disaster,” sighed a student while looking down at the lump of textures and colors burnt from the microwave. Yet the disappointment was short-lived, replaced by the laughter that filled the room; the students were still enjoying and eating what was supposed to be cake. "Making mug cakes with Leo and the others right after lunch was amazing,” remarked Zoya Chin, a 7th grader in his advisory. At 1:45, Leo passed out hot chocolate that elevated the experience to a whole other level. Finally, at the last few minutes, everyone rushed to clean the classroom so Leo could teach his Science class. When the clock struck 1:55, signaling the class coming to an end, the students left the classroom smiling with the joy of shared laughter and the satisfaction of a Food Social well spent. The mug cakes might not have turned out as expected, but the memories created with Leo were sweeter than any cake could ever be. As we reminisce about Leo's unforgettable Food Social, another memory comes to mind…

In Leo’s science class this year, the middle school classes conducted gel electrophoresis, a process in which you micropipette liquids into a gel box. Even though this exercise was arduous and stressful at times, Leo, being Leo, transformed this difficult and strenuous activity into a carefree experience. “It's amazing how a seemingly routine lab technique can have the ability to lay the foundations of such a memorable and engaging activity,” said Amogh from 7th grade. While the gel was forming, Leo’s curriculums would take breaks in order to watch movies including The Nightmare Before Christmas and Ratatouille. Though the students had watched these movies in the past, this time will be the one they remember. When the gels for electrophoresis were done, he recapped what they had to do, and they started working. The middle school “Connect [ed] the wires/ the gel requires” as the school sang in the Leo farewell. Every group did amazing and their gel electrophoresis all worked out thanks to Leo. And just reminding, “you could get paid 30 dollars an hour to do this for a living”. These experiences remind us that Leo was not just a great teacher, but a friend, a mentor, and someone to look up to.

Leo’s kindness and empathy made him stand out both as a teacher and role model. It's no wonder his departure has left a lasting impact in regards to his students and colleagues. From making gel electrophoresis, to lighting tables on fire, Leo was one of the best science teachers a student could ask for. Though he may no longer be with us at KLS, his legacy continues in our lives through the memories we shared and the lessons he taught us. Thank you, Leo! Until we see you next.