Dedicated Edition of The Outburst - Bishop Ward High School

The
New
The publication of the Outburst is a cooperative effort involving the English Department, the Art Department, student writers and photographers.
Editor: Ben Turkovic
In loving memory
Marty Brock
1947-2009
Celebrating the life and legacy of our teacher, coach, father, and friend.

Teacher Reflections
Tuesday before Christmas will always be an unbelievably memorable
day for me. I was playing golf with my wife and Marty,
enjoying the weather, the golf, and the company. There were
many laughs and congratulatory remarks. There were frustrations
(lousy shots) and satiric barbs. It was a typical, fun
round of golf.
During the eighteen holes, Marty complained
periodically of his neck being stiff. He would stretch and
twist, which wasn’t the least bit unusual for the sixty-twoyear
old wrestling coach. After hitting two good shots on the
last hole, he drove his cart around the green to park. He yelled
to me to pick up his ball in front of the green and tragically
dropped dead within seconds of the request.
Marty and I played golf almost daily, and I miss his
humor, his friendship, and simply his presence. He was a wonderful
person to be with in life, and he is a wonderful person to remember in
death.
Mike Kelly
It was my pleasure to know Marty Brock both as
a teacher and as a colleague. Last year, as a
Christmas gift for my parents, my sister and I
asked Marty to draw sketches of my parents’
home and the home where I currently live, which
belonged to my grandparents. Just three weeks
before Christmas, Marty set out in the cold
weather to take photos to get the sketches started.
I will never forget the looks on my parents’ faces
when they saw them. It was truly a wonderful
moment! Every time I see those sketches hanging
on the walls of my home or my parents’, I think
of Marty and what a wonderful person he was.
I will miss discussing posters for the drama
productions and watching him scrunch an entire
cast and crew into one amazing photograph.
Passing periods will not be the same without
seeing him wearing a path in the floor between
room 300 and room 306 and stopping to share a
thought or two on the way. This family, which
Marty loved so much, will greatly miss him. And
the halls of our school will be emptier without
him. I only wish I had more time to get to know
him, as so many of the teachers here were able to
over the years. Thank you, Marty, for all you did
for me, for the students, and for our entire
community.
Kelly Lipovitz

Teacher Reflections
I will remember Marty Brock as a man who loved art, music,
word origins, the New York Times crossword puzzle, debating
about anything under the sun, but above all of this, I will
remember Mr. Brock as a man who went out of his way to help
people, whenever and wherever, in any way he could. He truly
lived the Golden Rule; he truly lived the Christian message of
love of neighbor. In particular, Mr. Brock was a very good
friend to me throughout all my years at Ward. Time and time
again he went out of his way to do me a favor, lend me a hand.
During one of my early years at Ward, after the weather had
turned very cold, Marty was concerned that my coat had seen
better days and was simply inadequate. So he gave me a very
good winter (snow) jacket of his with excellent thick lining. I
wore it for years and years, but the zipper finally went bad. On this New
Year’s Day, I searched until I found it and was quite moved on finding in
one of its pockets three fava beans I’d given up as lost (Students of Mr.
Schneweis from last year, you know what those are.).
During the summer of 1997, Mr. Brock overheard me saying up here at
school how (to prepare for a home termite treatment) I was going to have
to get all the furniture in the big lowest level room at my place moved
away from the walls. He said, “Don’t worry about it. I’ll help you. We
can get that all moved out (to the middle of the room) ourselves. And
just let me know when, and I’ll help you move it all back.” And so he
did.
Time of day did not matter to Marty when it came to helping people. No
matter how late, if he saw that you could use some help, he’d put his
needs aside. By way of the ’01-’02 Ward calendar, I can pinpoint this
next instance of his charity to the day and hour. It was on the night of
Feb. 16, 2002, close to 10:00. Mr. Brock came into the (old 110) faculty
room exhausted, anxious to get home, having just finished the long trip
back from wrestling regionals. I was about to run the copies of the
upcoming 2002 8 th Grade (Math Contest) Examination. Mr. Brock
happened to glance at my drawing of a sphere for prob. 9. He said, “Let
me help you there. You really need shading to get across the 3D effect.”
So he sat down and did a beautiful etching-in job then and there, at
10:00 at night. These stories say it all about Marty Brock.
Finally, I will long, long remember our last real conversation—i.e. a
conversation about something that mattered. Fittingly, it was a conversation
about etymology. How many of these we had had over the years!
This one occurred on the afternoon of Thurs. Dec. 17 during the ten
minute break in the School of Faith session. We talked about an
alternate meaning of the word “eucharist” …. that it might mean “good
gift.” As usual, Mr. Brock became engrossed with the discussion. He
turned to the Internet to investigate. And he did find good evidence to
support the idea that “eucharist” means good gift. Indeed, THE
Eucharist is THE Good Gift. And, by acting in a Christ-like way, we can
be a good gift ((lower-case-e) eucharist) to one another. How very, very
much was Mr. Brock a good gift to Ward and the Ward community for
these past thirty-three years. Thank you, Marty.
-Joe Carmichael
Marty was always ready for a good discussion regarding
politics, health issues, Ward alums, golf, etc. He
was knowledgeable about a lot of things! Even in
heated discussions over the last 33 years, I found him a
good listener, and he at least tolerated a difference of
opinion. When the discussions were over, our friendship
remained the same. I miss him for many reasons.
-Kay Byard
For me Marty Brock was a great listener, soundboard
and all-around good guy. We could talk about anything.
We could disagree without shouting and/or holding a
grudge. During my 21 years of working with Marty, I
never knew him to say “no” to a request—even to using
his car!!! He was so quick witted—always had “the”
answer. I miss my conversations with him. His
dedication to Bishop Ward was unwavering and
unquestioned. There isn’t a day go by when I don’t
think about the endless favors Marty did for me—take a
picture, design a cover for the Student Calendar/
Handbook, Student Planner, and so many others. I
thank God for the past 21 years of working with Marty
Brock and being blest to witness his great outlook on
life which infected us all.
-John Riley

Teacher Reflections
Marty finished what was left of my Christmas
gumdrops while he and Mike waited for
me to fill out a form Mike needed. It was
Friday, December 18. The two were headed
to play golf (big surprise), despite the fact
that it was (maybe) 35 degrees. I was giving
them a hard time about playing golf in such
weather. Then it came. Of course it came:
“Patrice, have you ever been snow-skiing?”
“Well, yeah, a few times.”
“And when you went, didn’t you dress for
the weather?”
“Well, yeah…okay; I get it.”
to New York the next day and told me to go the
Guggenheim Art Museum. “Start on the top
floor and walk down,” he suggested. “That’s the
best way to see it.” We didn’t make it to the
Guggenheim that trip, but you can bet I will next
time I go to New York. I will start at the top and
make my way down because I have no doubt
that that is the best way to see it.
Thanks for the tip, Marty. And thanks for showing
me the best way to see a lot of things.
Patrice Ludwig
Typical Marty. I didn’t really “get it,” but
what did I care that my two knucklehead
friends wanted to spend three to four hours
in the cold chasing a little white ball in and
out of trees? And then, because I really
wanted to know, I asked about golf balls: Do
you really play better golf with more expensive
balls? Mike’s “Not really” would have
sufficed, but Marty’s answer—a full dissertation
about the number of divots on a ball,
the trajectory factor of certain balls, a thorough
history and description of the golf
ball—was kind of interesting. Emphasis on
the“kind of.” Who knew this stuff? Marty
did.
But it wasn’t just the stuff he knew or the
stuff he did for everyone (because he knew
and did a lot); it was—to paraphrase Sister
Kathy—who he WAS that I miss. He was
smart, talented, challenging, genuine, witty,
thoughtful, and kind. He was an artist, a
scholar, and a gentleman.
I walked Mike and Marty to my classroom
door that afternoon and wished them both
“Merry Christmas.” Marty knew I was going

Teacher Reflections
“Death leaves a heartache no one can heal; Love leaves
a memory no one can steal.”
I met Marty Brock in the fall of 1985. He welcomed
me, the newbie teacher, amiably with engaging humor
and thought-provoking conversation. When he discovered
my love of both music and photography, our
friendship grew. He graciously allowed me to join in on
some of the Friday night “musical soirées” with faculty
and friends although I lacked any current or impending
instrumental or singing talent.
He was a gracious and generous colleague allowing me
to observe and learn from his wisdom, work ethic and
rapport with the students. He was first and foremost a
student of life which made him the quintessential
teacher. We did not
always agree but as is a
sign of true friendship and
utter respect for one
another, we always agreed
to disagree.
Marty wore so many hats
within this building;
multitasking was as innate
to him as breathing. I was
in awe of his vast knowledge
and acumen regarding
so many topics and issues.
He inspired me to want to
continue learning, listening
and observing everything
around me. He motivated
me to not only be alive but
also to truly live. In 1990,
Marty became a dad.
When Elizabeth came into this world, he had a semblance
of true spiritual joy and plenum that words
cannot describe. As time and circumstances moved us
along in life, we spent a great amount of time sharing
happiness, worries, concerns and questions regarding
our children. Our friendship became a source of great
comfort to me as we struggled through parenthood
alone together. Liz and Ben grew up playing
on computers, Pokémon and skating/skateboarding
together while Marty and I did our
work. There was real comfort in knowing that
we all had each other.
I will never forget nor ever be able to repay the
kindness that Marty showed to Benson and
myself. He was my colleague and friend, but
more powerfully he was Ben’s mentor and
father figure. I do not know if anyone will truly
ever realize the impact that his words, laughter,
creativity and sheer presence had on so many
who were blessed to have known him.
Marty lived trying to make
a difference, to effect
positive change, to be the
best person and parent he
could be. Marty accomplished
this with grace and
integrity.
I will miss my friend. Many
say to move on. I will
never “move on” as
Marty’s impact will never
leave me. I will instead
choose to “move along”
continuing my process,
pressing on with life and
keeping Marty in my heart
and mind forever.
-Lori Dowd

Teacher Reflections
Marty Brock was one of a kind. I met him in 1983 when I
started teaching some classes at Bishop Ward. He was
liberal; I was conservative. He taught art; I taught religion,
and we both enjoyed the dialectic. We were about the same
age and had some mutual friends in Kansas City, Kansas.
We discovered the one great thing that brought us together:
music. He liked Irish music; so do I. We both played
instruments.
It became a natural. We would get together with others on
the faculty who enjoyed our style of music and meet at my
house for some play sessions. At times we put programs
together and played at school assemblies and at
diocesan teacher’s meetings.
Marty’s ability in music was wonderful. He played the
guitar, banjo, mandolin and worked on the tin whistle. I play
the guitar, piano, and tin whistle and do vocals. On one of
my trips to Ireland, I brought him back some tin whistles in
different keys. He loved playing them.
There is a great Irish song written by Phil Coulter
that depicts my thoughts on Marty’s passing:
The tears have all been shed now, we’ve said our
last good byes. His soul’s been bless’d, he’s laid
to rest and it’s now I feel alone.
He was more than just a father, a teacher, my ole
friend and he can still be heard in the tunes we
shared when we played them now and then
I never will forget him, for we shared apart of life.
Though he may be gone, memories linger on
And I ‘ll miss him, my ole friend.
Requiescat en pace
-Peter R. Adams
Marty always had a guitar or banjo available. We would get
together and just practice some songs. Working with him
was wonderful when it came to music. He was always willing
to try something. He would ask me about some songs, and
we would try them. We both were fans of the Clancy
Brothers and would often work on some of their songs. One
year, he gave me a book of music by them, and we would
play the songs at every opportunity. Another year he asked
me if I knew where he could find a button accordion. I did,
and I got it for him.
Always trying something new.
When we had the first dinner in memory of Father Davern,
Marty and I performed some Irish songs for entertainment.
He was always ready and willing to work on some Irish
songs and give of his time to support Bishop Ward High
School.
In the fall semester of 2009, we were teaching in the Art
rooms. He came to me and said, “I have my guitar. Do you
want to sing some songs for the students?”
We would always look for the chance to perform. It was the
last time I sang with Marty.
I had the privilege of singing for Marty at his funeral mass
at St. Patrick’s Church. Memories of many songs for many
years were in my heart. As Msgr. Mullins blessed Marty’s
body, I sang the farewell song to the tune of “Danny Boy.”

Teacher Reflections
Most everyone remembers Marty as a
person who wanted to create a stir. He did
not like the dull and sluggish. Marty looked
for beauty and excitement. Most of the
time, if a spark wasn’t there, he created
one. Whether it was a familiar bout of
political thinking or a heated argument with
others outside of the
Ward community,
Marty always relished
the dialogue. Whether it
was taking a photograph
for the school or
doing a painting during
the summer months,
Marty treasured the
creation. Whether it
was accompanying
someone during Mass
with his guitar or creating
a score of music of
his own, Marty displayed
passion.
Whether going through
wrestling holds during practice or being
totally engrossed on the golf course, Marty
loved competition. Whether running copies
for the newspaper and sports bulleting or
publishing his own art magazine, Marty
found joy in showing beauty to others.
Whether completing a daily crossword or
discussing a highly scientific novel, Marty
showed intellectual depth.
I liked Marty best simply because he was
well read. Marty helped me plan one of my
most prized lesson plans. I had collected
several books dealing with
human history. Marty saw me looking
through one of them in the teachers’
workroom one day. He suggested
another book he thought my students
might glean from. I quickly acquired
the book. It turned out
to be the book that
made the activity
shine. From that time
on, Marty and I talked
a lot about the books
we were reading.
Marty’s biggest attribute
was his desire
to help in any way that
he could. Whether it
was changing a tire on
a friend’s car or drawing
a picture for a
prom invitation, Marty
exemplified compassion
for others. Marty was always here
for all of us in so many ways. Whether
we saw him as a coach and teacher or
as an artist and friend, Marty is now a
cornerstone of Bishop Ward. He was
what our school is all about. His spirit
will forever live in our hallways. We
will always treasure the memories!
-Truman Snow

A Teacher’s Reflections
‘An Effective Teacher’
By: Marty Brock
NOTE: As part of his Baker certification
this past fall, Nick Tomasic had to interview
a mentor (Marty) about the attributes of
effective teaching. The following is Marty’s
response:
The core quality a great teacher must have
is a near fanatical enthusiasm for the subject
matter. It has to be tempered with realism
and an understanding of what a student
brings to the equation, but a teacher
who does not love what he is teaching
is doomed to failure.
kid’s excitement if he works at it…and
some teachers seem to be dedicated to
doing just that.
From the student’s point of view, the chief
attribute is a generally positive attitude
about learning. That comes from home. If
parents distrust teachers, kids will too.
Most human beings react to enthusiasm
with curiosity and to cynicism
with disdain. If you see someone
coming out of a restaurant rubbing his
stomach and saying “yummy,” you are
more disposed to go in and have dinner
yourself. If he comes out complaining
about the food and the service, you are
most likely to be reluctant to spend
your money there.
Another attribute for a successful
teacher is likeability. It’s not essential,
but it’s helpful. You are more likely to
follow the advice of someone you
admire and respect than someone you
detest.
The teacher who doesn’t communicate
“why” someone should learn whatever
it is he is teaching is going to fail to
reach any student who has not arrived
pre-programmed. The “burnout” may
even be able to destroy the pre-programmed

Student Reflections
“When I first walked into the art room my freshman
year, I couldn’t help but notice how hot and stuffy it
was. The room seemed unfinished with just a
whiteboard, a few tables, and enough fold-up chairs to
seat the class of prospective art students. The art
teacher himself looked pretty ordinary; he had short
grey hair and was dressed just like any other teacher
was. Little did I know that this particular teacher was
going to have a profound impact on not just me, but
the entire student body.
We like to believe the best of everything and
everyone. But Mr. Brock showed all of his students the
other side of things, even if he was the only one who
saw it that way. He challenged everyone to think of
both sides of the story, even if the other side wasn’t
one we wanted to acknowledge.”
-Emily Cushing
“He was our inspiration to art. For nothing loved is
ever lost, and Mr. Brock was loved very much.”
-Alex Braun
“One day in 3 rd hour ceramics class last semester, Mr.
Adams was subbing on a block day, and after he took
attendance he went over to talk with Mr. Brock about
something. Then Mr. Brock and Mr. Adams started
playing the banjo and singing old Irish songs, respectively.
Mr. Brock was tearing it up on that banjo. He
was playing it perfectly in time, never missed a note. It
was amazing watching Mr. Brock play so well and so
fast.”
-Joshua Williamson
“He taught students life lessons and took so much
pride in each of his student’s work. We all know that
Mr. Brock is resting peacefully, and doing everything
that he loves in heaven. He still walks the halls of
Bishop Ward; we just cannot see him here.”
-Erica Ramirez
Mr. Brock was one of the first teachers that really
made me feel right at home here at Bishop Ward.”
“Make a promise to him: take something positive away from him
instead of mourning. And keep his legacy alive. So, here’s to
you, Mr. Brock. To your golfing in the snow, your pointless
arguments, and all the things that made you the unforgettable
person you are. Thank you. You’ll live on forever…”
-Jenny Schneider
“I was never one of Mr. Brock’s players, never one of his
frequent art students, never one of his favorite students…But
you never know what you have until it’s gone. I have just now
realized how much he did for this school…When I was a
sophomore I had an empty period and decided to take one of
Mr. Brock’s art classes…That was one of the best decisions I
made…If I never took that class, I would never have been
exposed to his way of teaching….”
-Aaron Connor
“…Mr. Brock was the kind of guy that always wanted to argue
with someone just for the fun of it. I remember we argued
because he tried to convince me to join wrestling…I got along
with Mr. Brock really well. I am really going to miss him and
his coffee…We have learned a lot from him and have so many
memories of him.”
-Luis Contreras
“More than just a member of the Ward faculty, Mr. Brock was a
character. He was truly his own person. He would always make
us laugh when he talked bout his theory of how the NFL was
rigged. It seemed like he had a discussion for everything. And
he did. You could talk to Mr. Brock about anything. He usually
knew a little about what you were discussing, and if he didn’t
he could come up with confusing small talk to make it seem
like he did.
-Tim Rodriguez
“After winning my second league championship, Coach Brock
congratulated me for joining the elite group of Bishop Ward wrestlers
to win league twice. That was one of my proudest moments. He was
the first person I talked to after the match, and I think that is very
special. It is very special to me.”
-Alex Orel
-Marko Dolinar

Student Reflections
“One of my last memories of him was at the very first wrestling
match I had ever gone to. Mr. Brock was on the sidelines
coaching the boy on the mat while simultaneously crouching
and aiming the camera trying to get a picture. He had it all
under control. Mr. Brock was one of the most interesting and
inspiring people I have ever had the pleasure to meet. He has
made such an impact on the students, faculty, and community of
Bishop Ward High School, and although he will be beyond
missed, he will always be around. His memory lives on in the
talented artists, painters, musicians, photographers, wrestlers,
and golfers he has inspired. I know for a fact that Mr. Brock
looks down on our little school, right before he tees off on the
big green in the sky… That’s one of the things I will remember
most about Mr. Brock. I would say nine times out of ten, when I
saw Mr. Brock he had a camera in his hand. Whether it was at
the football game, basketball game, somewhere with a beautiful
view in Wyandotte County Lake, outside or inside Crown
Center, at the City Market, in the auditorium taking club photos
for yearbook, or leaning across rows of seats to get the best shot
of the cast and crew of the latest Drama Club production, Mr.
Brock always seemed to take the best shots, and even if you had
happened to be the only person in the picture absent or with
your eyes closed, he could fix that.”
-Amanda Garcia
“Before we knew it, the room was filled with this weird Mozart
music. The entire class turned around to see Mr. Brock
standing at his desk playing an air guitar to something on a
piano. Then he yelled, ‘You kids want to battle? I’ll show you
real music!’ Then he turned his speakers up as loud as they’d
go.”
-Allison Jenicke
“I aspire to be like him, an accomplished yet humble artist who
shared his talent and instilled a confidence in his students in
such a way that only comes naturally…Looking back, I realize
now that he trusted every student to tap into their own
potential. He would give us minimal instructions and let us
attempt on our own to follow. Before he died, I thought that
he just gave me a shortcut answer, when in fact he knew
entirely what he was talking about. He intentionally left some
mystery for you to figure out.”
–Stephanie Duenas
“. . . Ironically, a portion for the yearbook was due the day
before his passing. In a sense, Mr. Brock finished his final
work on the yearbook . . . It was something he put [his] time
and pride into . . . He was not just a teacher but also an
inspiration to all of us.”
– Katie Cothran
“Most of us didn’t know where to begin because we were
waiting for him to come up in front of the class and teach us
something related— but not related— to art, if that makes
any sense. Every time I see a coffee can or smell coffee in
the air, I think about him. When I hear anything about
politics, I think of him. When I hear a guitar, I think of him.
He was such a special person in the school and the community.
I know in my heart that he is up in the clouds taking
pictures of us and will continue to live in our hearts.”
-Samantha Stinson
“The way he taught his lessons made me enjoy his class every
day. After hearing all of his stories, it made me think…this
man has done everything.”
– Andrew Marquardt
“Mr. Brock was one of those ‘treasures in disguise’ whose
worth you don’t realize until he is gone…Being a freshman,
Mr. Brock taught us how to see art in a different way, in a
different perspective. Later I learned that it wasn’t just art
that he wanted us to see in a different way: it was life… He is
the only person I have met who I could say knew everything
about everything... It’s something I can’t explain in words,
but you just had to be there with him… Mr. Brock is one of
those people who would make a lasting impression on you,
whether you saw him as the guy who talked a lot, the guy
who could play instruments, the guy who coached, the guy
who knew it all, or even the guy with the long nails....”
-Jonathan Makona
“. . . I discovered that Mr. Brock didn’t just know art; he
knew everything about anything, no matter what it was.
Every time we went on a field trip for class . . . he’d find
something to tell us the history about. I swear he could’ve
been a part-time tour guide/history teacher. . . We would
drive past restaurants, and he’d give us the run-down of the
owners and the menus. He took us past some famous houses
and told us stories about them. If you had questions about
things like that, he probably knew the answers.”
-Anthony Moran
“He was one person that did so much, and not only will he be
deeply missed, but he will be irreplaceable…I would get stuck
on how to draw something, and the next thing I knew he was
over my shoulder giving me a little extra advice so I could
carry on.”
-Kylie Burns

Student Reflections
Good things happen to bad people. Bad things
happen to good people. And vice versa. As
much as I would wish to believe the opposite,
there’s still that to consider and it never gets
confirmed until something happens. When you
get a phone call with some news you thought
you’d never hear in the next twenty years, you
start to think back to that phrase. It doesn’t get
confirmed until you hear the words yourself and
then repeating the word “what” because you
can’t find the words to comprehend what you
have just heard. And then you can’t even
imagine what it was like to watch someone’s life
fade away just at the snap of someone’s fingers.
What about the family? It was almost Christmas.
No one should be taken away before
Christmas. And as you sit there, you refuse to
believe such blasphemy until you walk into that
back room for the first time and reality hits you
on the way out. But life will go on, despite the
tragedies that take place. I guess you could say
that is what makes us human in our own unique
way. As hard as it is to not think back to how
things used to be, you come to realize that you’ll
have to start accepting things to ever jump from
one platform to another. You may fall, but with
five hundred plus people being affected by just
one man in many different ways, you wouldn’t
be down for long. When people have something
connecting them together, you’re chances at
surviving go up and you all have something in
common.
What an amazing thing; for one man to affect the
lives as hundreds. It is beautiful, rare and I’d be
lying to say if I wasn’t one of those hundreds of
people. I may regret not knowing him as others
did, but I’d always look forward to him talking
about whatever he wanted to share that day.
Whether it was a repeated story or just something
about life, you couldn’t help but catch
yourself listening. And listening is what you
would do because you were far to shy as some
young kid to ever interrupt because you were
never that comfortable with yourself until about
now. And you start to get wishing that you
could go back and expand your ears and you find
yourself wanting to give up anything to just hear
this man speak again. And then you realize that
as cliché as it sounds, you can listen to him speak,
you just have to hear it for yourself.
From my behalf, if you get a chance at reading
this, I would like to thank you for everything you
have done, Mr. Brock. Sometimes all somebody
has to do is just be there and that is all that someone
could ever need. You are a great man and
forever will you be. Thank you.
-Anonymous
I cannot possibly have greater respect for anyone than
that I have for Mr. Brock: a respect he still carries.
Mr. Brock was someone I wish to be half as talented
as, and just as large a role model to others. As a brighteyed
freshman I had him as a teacher and I marveled
at his intellect and his way with words. I often thought,
“Mr. Brock is amazing, I want to be just like him.” His
opinion was law to me. I snatched up his classes as
quickly as I could and enrolled in them whenever I
could. I loved every topic we would always talk about
until long after class was over. And looked forward
every single day to his class. Looking back at all of the
conversations we had I realized how much he influenced,
taught and inspired me. Although I feel cheated,
out of all the conversations we won’t have; out of all
the cherished opinions he won’t give.
— I miss you so much, Mr. Brock. Won’t you come
back for us? We need you around. I need you around.
To the man who graduated from here with the highest
of regards, you never will be forgotten, and you will
always live on with me.
-Nick Balliett

Alumni Reflections
I always thought Mr. Brock was a really unique
individual and I came to appreciate his character
during the time I spent in his photography class.
During our block scheduling, Mr. Brock would
take us on excursions to capture a variety
of photos. For me, it was an opportunity to leave
my everyday environment. Although many native
to Kansas City had frequented these areas, it
was my first time visiting these local attractions,
many I had never even heard of before.
On our excursions we visited Loose Park to see
the Rose Gardens and the Plaza, which eventually
became my favorite place to visit in high school.
We also visited the Sherry Leedy Contemporary
Art Center in the Crossroads where I was exposed
to a vast array of forms of art.
As a result of these experiences, a curiosity to
explore the world around me ignited from within.
I became more interested in discovering what else
this big world had to offer.
I’m not sure if Mr. Brock realized the opportunities
he was giving to his students or if his intention
was for us to be inspired, but I know that because
of him I was. From that moment, every time I’ve
passed the Leedy Center I remember how he
introduced us to a new world. I’m grateful for his
creativity, commitment to education and to his
students.
-Melissa (Cera) Orenelas
Class of 2000
I never had one of Mr. Brock’s classes. However,
he was always nice, knew who I was,
and like all the teachers at Ward, cared very
much for the students and our education. He
may no longer be with us physically, but he
touched many, many lives, and his presence will
be with us and in this world for longer than we
will ever know.
-Ronald D. Kurtz
Class of 1986
My favorite memory of Coach Brock was
during golf season every year, especially my
senior year when I could have won state but
choked a little bit. He talked to me about it once
we got everyone else dropped off. He said, “Its
ok, You played well, and you placed in state
which is a great accomplishment.”
He mentored me on and off the golf course and
taught me so many life lessons that I can use on
and off the course. I remember he told one of
my buddies that my golf swing was unorthodox
and weird, but “when he has it going he has it
going.” He would never try to explain my swing
to anyone. A lot of people would ask him about
it and he just said he would never be able to
explain how it worked, but it did for him.
I am really going to miss you, Coach. The calls
during the summer to go play golf and many of
the lessons you taught me while we were out
there. R.I.P., Coach Brock. We will miss you
more than you would have ever known. You
meant so much to us.
J.R Munson
Class of 2004

Marty’s Page
The M. Brock Times
The Leek
Aquafina to release amnesia inducing water.
Controversial drink casuses a stir.
The long awaited successor to bottled-water
company Aquafina’s Eco-fina line is set to make its debut in
the U.S. inmid-March. The ‘GeeGey” line, whose name is
derived from the portmanteau of “Geezer” and “Geyser,” is
expected to push the limits of bottled water and ultimately
replace all other forms of water consumption.
“The GeeGey (line) has surpassed all expectations” says
Eliot Rosewater, CEO. “It will change the way you think
about bottled water.”
The target market for this new line is the senior
market, (people over age 55), a move which experts are
calling “risky.” “I have to be honest with you,” Rosewater
continues, “kids and teenagers are not going to be drinking
GeeGey water. With all the energy drinks, chocolate drinks
and what have you, they are just not a viable market. So
the move to target the senior market seemed obvious and
incredibly cost efficient.”
So what makes this water so unique? In a breakthrough
chemical discovery, Aquafina realized that by adding trace
amounts of a secret blend of monosodium glutamate,
mercuric chloride and high-fructose corn syrup during the
HydRo-7 purification process, they could affect the
brain’s memory while improving the taste of the
product.
Aquafina started distributing bottled water in Wichita,
Kansas in 1994 and has been experimenting with
memory-erasing chemicals since the late nineties.
“When someone drinks our water,” Rosewater explains,
“those trace amounts affect their memory and
in turn they become loyal buyers. This process, repeated
over a span of years, ensures that customers
have some short-term memory loss such as forgetting
their own name and forgetting they even drank the
water in the first place. This guarantees repeat
customers.”
Though the HHS has declined to comment and PETA
has yet to find any animals harmed, the Pepsi Corporation
expects controversy. Rabo Karabekian,
chairman for PepsiCo, issued a statement saying
“…hopefully we can just avoid all of these eco-terrorist
groups long enough for the apocolypse of 2012 to
prevent any pending lawsuits.”

Marty’s Gallery

Marty’s Gallery

Marty’s Gallery

Marty’s Gallery

Marty’s Gallery

Letter To The Editor
(From the editor)
First of all, I would like to say thank you to everyone
who has helped out on this issue, especially
Mrs. Ludwig for her guidance throughout the
process. Seeing how this is a letter from the editor
(to the editor), this is going to be written a bit
differently than it probably should be.
Dear Editor,
I’m sorry this issue is kind of sloppy; I won’t lie
and say I’m a pro with PageMaker, and in all
honesty, you did most of the placement anyway.
The margins are all off, and there is A LOT more
writing than there are pictures. The yearbook is
coming along great; it’s amazing to see everyone
kicking in and getting the job done. We all miss you
around here; I know I do. I miss the days back
when I was just a little kid, playing Pokemon with
Liz at Ward games. I miss writing down all the
quotes you said when I had my first class with you
freshman year (And yes, that is what I was doing. I
think you thought I was doing homework for
another class). I miss talking about how much
media has changed through the years: music,
movies, photography, all that. I miss you giving me
your phone number so I could call you Saturday
morning to meet up here at school to finish The
Outburst. I miss our political talks, our religious
talks, and everything in between. But most of all, I
think I just miss seeing you around the halls, seeing
freshman faces after they have their first talk with
you: it was always a ‘Is this guy crazy or am I just
not getting something?’ look, or seeing you explaining
something to Ms. Lip, or chatting with Mr.
Tomasic. Things just seem a lot quieter.
I’m sure you’re familiar with the Kübler-
Ross model, and would know it by that name, so I
feel like I can tell you about how true it is. I really
was in denial and the anger stage was the most
prominent: I often times found myself thinking
‘come on, everything that you knew how to do,
everything that needed to be done, and you aren’t
here to help us.’ I think I jumped to acceptance;
I think everyone has. It seems everything
is getting back to normal, and things are
peaceful again. We’ve accepted that there are
things that need to be done, and we can’t sit
around hoping that they will get done. We
have to stand up, think for ourselves, and get
the job done, just like you always taught, both
through lesson and example.
Every time I step in this room I sit
down to work on something (so far all I’ve
done this semester is this issue), I think to
myself, “What would he have to say about
this? What would he improve? What can I do
to show that I’m working in his honor?” And
then it hits me: I’m already doing what he
would want. He wouldn’t say anything about
this; he wouldn’t improve anything, and I’m
already working in his honor: the fact that I
am thinking about this is all he would want.
He challenged us to think differently. He
taught unlike any other teacher. (No offense
to any teachers). Where Math was always
‘this is,’ History was always ‘that was,’
English was always ‘this is proper,’ and
Religion was always ‘we believe,’ Mr. Brock
was always ‘what if.’ So what if the answer to
keeping him alive within us isn’t through
prayer or writing or any of those things; what
if the answer is to every now and then stop
and think, not necessarily even about him, but
just think about things a little differently. That
may be completely bogus, but I can just as
easily argue that it is completely true; it’s just
different from how you think.
- the editor

Sketch by Marko Dolinar ‘10
Dedicated in memory of our teacher, mentor, coach,
father, and friend, on behalf of every life he impacted.