Teaching technology, surfing all part of Stephen Blasko’s day

Published 4:00 pm Monday, November 17, 2008

ILWACO – Did your high school teachers skate, snowboard or surf? Twenty-five-year-old technology instructor Stephen Blasko at Ilwaco High School does all of the above. By the looks of him, you would never guess.

Blasko strolls through the halls with his long slender arms hanging limp by his side or spins semi-circles in his desk chair in his downstairs classroom. Soft spoken yet articulate, this man will gladly tell you of his many tales surfing, snowboarding and the like without any hesitation.

His career began as a snowboarding instructor while attending Kent State University in Ohio, majoring where he majored in computer information. Realizing that sitting behind a desk was not his cup of tea, a fellow snowboarder friend mentioned their major in technology education and so Blasko changed majors. Blasko could have had a career in snowboarding, but was discouraged by the need for filming rather than having fun.

When he learned about the job at Ilwaco and the location by the Pacific Ocean, Blasko jumped at the job on the Peninsula. “There was nothing in Ohio like there is here.” With the ocean in the picture, Blasko made quick friends with other local surfers and has made riding the waves his main hobby. “It is a great way to be mellow but stay in shape,” Blasko says in regards to his frequent after-school surfing sessions.

While in the classroom, Blasko remains a happy man with the help and support he gets as a first year teacher. “At this point, there’s no reason to leave.” The classes he teaches include introduction to engineering, manufacturing, constructive technology, middle school technology and career exploration. “Exactly what I want to teach,” grins Blasko.

As the youngest teacher on the staff, Blasko feels he has a strong connection with his students as he has an “idea of what they are going through. I can offer them real-world advice as far as college and careers go.”

Blasko looks forward to getting involved with the school and students through attending games and activities. As a person with such a wide variety of interests and knowledge Blasko can relate to all age groups, which is why the students of Ilwaco High School view him as a winner. To see more about Stephen Blasko’s snowboarding experiences, check him out at (www.autumnline.blogspot.com).