Fort Hayes Career Center alumnus Stephen Takacs has returned to the place that once ignited his passion for photography, this time as a teacher, guiding young enthusiasts through their own artistic journeys. His dedication during Teacher Appreciation Week highlights more than a personal narrative. It represents an ongoing cycle of inspiration and impact.
Takacs, who once roamed these halls as a Westerville South High School student, is now safeguarding and nurturing the creative flames of new generations. In a statement obtained by Columbus City Schools, he expressed how the photography program at Fort Hayes "really changed my life" and got him "excited about going to school again." As a student eager to graduate and move on, the program was a significant influence that helped pivot him towards a different direction entirely.
It was during an alumni gallery exhibition that Takacs’s journey began to intertwine once more with Fort Hayes. His work caught the eye of his future colleague, Corrie Witt, who recognized his ability "to communicate effectively with [the students] in a kind and respectful manner," as she told Columbus City Schools. Witt's admiration for Takacs's approach to teaching was instrumental in his eventual return to Fort Hayes as an educator.
With degrees from the Oregon College of Art and Craft and a Master of Fine Arts from The Ohio State University, Takacs continues to participate in the wider art community actively. Nevertheless, it's within the classroom walls of Fort Hayes that he finds himself to leave his mark most effectively. "This place had such a big impact on me growing up," Takacs expressed in his reflection on the school's role in his formative years. "So the idea of having the opportunity to have a hand in helping students as well seemed pretty amazing."
