On May 21, the beloved Mr. Nick Werkman, father, son, coach, and teacher, passed away unpredictably. His absence will be felt throughout FCCPS, leaving a space no one can fill. To reflect on his lasting legacy, The Lasso has spoken to students and staff who remember the strong impact he had on our community. 

“Mr. Werkman was one of the best educators I have ever had the opportunity to work with. He wore his heart on his sleeve and had a special talent for getting through to any kid, no matter what the project. Mr. Werkman was a motivator and helped so many students who struggled or felt misunderstood find a safe space where they could grow and feel seen for who they were. Mr. Werkman was one of the good ones, and he will be sorely missed.”

–Mr. Shakeshaft, MEH History Teacher

“He’s one of, if not, the best teacher. When you talk about all the things it requires to be a teacher, the students he works with, the patience he has. He has the patience of jokes. No one has patience like him. And he’s a yes person. No matter what problem you had, he’d say yes and help you figure it out. He just was the best.”

–Mr. Coffren, MEH PE Teacher 

“Mr. Werkman was the kindest person I knew, to both students and adults.  And regardless of the situation, he could always find humor in it and make us laugh. Without exaggeration, he was everyone’s hero. We are devastated by his loss.”

-Ms. Barry, MEH History Teacher 

“I didn’t know Mr. Werkman very well, but I had him as the second teacher in my history class last year for eighth grade. He was the sweetest, most understanding teacher, and patient teacher ever.  Although I had him for a short period of time, he was always doing what was best for his students. He would always pass little candy whenever we did good and he was just overall an amazing teacher.”

–Kritika Gosain, Freshman