Don Orwald, portraying Gen. Richard Butler, makes historical remarks during the Butler County Bicentennial celebration kickoff on the steps of the Butler County Courthouse in March 2000.

While it's sadly true that a spark of creativity has been extinguished, the impression that spark left behind on his friends and community will burn on.

Donald Orwald, who died March 16 in Texas, spent three decades teaching English at Knoch High School, where he served as adviser for the Knight Times student newspaper, directed school plays and musicals and produced the school's Madrigal Dinner each holiday season.

He inspired countless students to pursue careers in the arts and media, and remained close to many students long after his retirement, according to his obituary.

“I met him in ninth grade in mass media class,” said Linda (Harvey) Burkley, a 1983 Knoch graduate. “He was that teacher who was too cool for school.”

This is an excerpt from a larger article remembering the life of Donald Orwald. Subscribe online or in print to read the full article.

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