By Nila Harris
LEBANON, Ohio — Now, he’s being celebrated as a teacher making a big impact in Ohio, but Pendleton County native Bobby Moreland started his teaching career in the same school he attended as a boy.
Born and raised in Pendleton County, Moreland, the son of Ron Moreland and Jo Vick, began his schooling career at Southern Elementary School, and graduated from Pendleton County High School in 1986.
A 1990 graduate of Georgetown College with a degree in elementary education and a minor in social studies, Moreland taught his first eight years at Southern Elementary in Falmouth. He taught third, ungraded primary and finally fourth grade.
He went on to attain his master’s degree in education, also from Georgetown, and his gifted certification through Wright State University.
When Moreland moved to Ohio, he began teaching for the Lebanon City School district. During his 26 years at Lebanon, Moreland has taught a myriad of subjects — gifted education for 13 years, then sixth-grade language arts and social studies. Since 2013, he has taught eighth grade American history.
An avid runner himself, he became a cross country coach, first as an assistant, then as head coach. He has also been an assistant coach for track and field.
Moreland previously coached shot put and discus, then later distance and high jump.
Each year, the Lebanon Athletic Boosters host a gala called “One Town, One Team, One Night” as a fundraising effort for Lebanon’s athletic teams. During this event, the boosters recognize “someone in the community who has provided an amazing impact on our student athletes,” Matt Woehrmyer, athletic booster treasurer, said.
This year Moreland received the IMPACT award.
IMPACT award
“He (Moreland) is constantly at various events of his students, whether athletics or theatre. He can be seen entering the gym of a basketball game, because when he walks in, the students cheer, ‘Moreland, Moreland, Moreland!’ and then after the game is headed over to the district performance center to watch his students in their annual play.
“Lots of people coach and we know that as boosters and are appreciative, but there are some that just have a very special something about them that can rally and inspire those kids they are around,” Woehrmyer said. “Bobby is that person for Lebanon. We are extremely blessed to have him on our staff as one of our coaches.”
In a joint statement, assistant coaches Jenni Wallace and Karrie Whitsel said, “Coach Moreland has made an impact on so many student athletes over the years. He has a unique ability to make running, which, let’s be honest, isn’t always the easiest task, fun and rewarding.
“He can take kids who have never participated in a sport before and show them the love and joy that being a part of a team can offer. He can take a seasoned athlete and inspire them to find the leader within themselves.”
Athletes, parents, and other coaches added these remarks:
“Coach Moreland notices the individual gifts of every athlete. Every day.”
“Mr. Moreland always supports us no matter the situation.”
“He is a positive and caring person. He is compassionate, loyal, hardworking, and overwhelmingly supportive to ALL kids. He will forever be the cross country coach and teacher that loves peanut butter and waves at us from the road when we see him out running.”
Moreland said, “The IMPACT award truly means a lot to me. Knowing people appreciate your endeavors brings happiness.”
He said teaching has been a blessing, and that students, parents, colleagues and administrators have made an impact on him personally. “The fellow teachers that helped me will not be forgotten.”
Moreland no longer lives in Pendleton County but continues to be a light to others in our community.
Over the years, many locals have told how he has sent them cards, gifts, little memento, and positive words of encouragement.