By Aaron Hoerst
This was the first time I had ever actually met Mr. Lichty. Mr. Lichty is a counselor at Minnetonka High School, and a big support to the Mini-School program. He is also a recreational kinda guy, who really likes the outdoors. He enjoys working with kids, and being a part of MHS. So, in the twenty minutes I spent talking to him, I learned quite a bit about the mysterious, “counselor, that is Lichty.”
How long have you been working at the Minnetonka High School?
This is my 11th year. The first three years I was a teacher in the WECEP program, which is a work experience program for ninth graders. When this guidance job became an opening 8 years ago, I went for it and got it, so actually this is my eighth year as a guidance counselor.
Do you enjoy Com-mini-cations?
I read every issue, if the people get it to my box. Sometimes I don’t read it right away.
Did you read my article last issue about in line skating?
I haven’t read it yet, although I am an in line skater myself, but a little nervous still recovering from shoulder surgery. I was thinking about doing a marathon up in Duluth, which follows the Grandma’s Marathon.
What do you think about Mini-School?
I like Mini-School. I have been involved with the program for a long time. I know the teachers well, most of the students and I think it’s an excellent alternative for students at MHS.
What do you think the trips do for students?
In my opinion, the trips are the nucleus of the program. It’s such a good way to build inner confidence. Without the trips, Mini would be just like any other program.
What do you think would happen to the program if Doug and Randy retired?
I would be concerned. It would be super critical that whoever they hired would carry on with the opportunities that those two provided for the kids.
Do you think your son would make a good replacement? (His son is currently teaching Social Studies at Minnetonka Middle School East.)
My son? (slight laughter.) He likes the outdoors, and he likes kids. I wouldn’t know, but he’s a great kid.
Would you ever want to go on a trip?
Yeah! I keep wanting them to invite me, but they never do, the little rascals.
What kind of interests (besides in line skating,) do you have?
I like everything outdoors: Backpacking, mountain biking, canoeing, etc. I share a cabin with my brothers. I like to go out there and hangout. I also like quiet time. I like to get away from the bustle.
Do you have any pets?
Well, we have a fourteen year old cat, that I’m waiting to pass away. She thinks she’s a dog, ‘cause when I get home, she jumps on my lap and leaves hair all over. Our cat has us well trained and runs the house. I’m sure I’ll feel bad when she dies, but in other ways I’ll have my life back.
In your opinion, what percent of students (in this school) do drugs?
I know that the problem is there, but overall I believe the kids of today have a bright future, the opportunities are there for them to take advantage of.
What did you want to be when you were younger?
(Laughter.) It’s amazing, I never thought about that. I’m the first person in my family to have the opportunity to attend college. I never thought about my current position. When I first went to college, I wanted to be an engineer because I liked math.
Would you like to make any final comments?
Tell Joe (Juranitch) that I’m really happy that he has finally come out of the closet, and realizing that there is something besides motors. I saw him reading Bicycling Magazine.
You mean Backpacker?
Backpacker, that was it, but he will be reading Bicycling later. Joe’s out of the closet, so now we know that really deep in his heart, he wants to be a cross country skier. Joe really is a “forest fairy,” and we’ll see him in cross country skis by next winter. He’ll be selling his snowmobiles, selling his motors, and be cross country skiing and bicycling before you know it. You heard it here first, folks.