by Patrice Mardo
editor in cheif

“Winning is for today,” wrote former Cal High teacher John Korzick in his journal. “But learning is forever.”

Remembered for his pursuits to motivate and educate, Korzick, who taught at Cal High from 2002-2011, will  always remain as integral part of the school’s history.

Korzick passed away on April 1 from an unexpected heart attack. He was 65.

“He was a bigger-than-life individual,” said teacher Stephen Armstrong.

Korzick was known for his active lifestyle at Cal and beyond. In 2010, Korzick was named the San Ramon Valley Unified School District’s teacher of the year.

As an educator at Cal, he helped establish the Engineering Academy in 2009. Korzick was always looking for new ways to support learning and engaging curriculum, said his wife, Mary Korzick.

Korzick believed that the Engineering Academy was a great opportunity for Cal and was very involved in it.

“He was a visionary,” said Principal Mark Corti. “He helped get the resources to expand (the Engineering Academy.)”

Korzick was also the club advisor for Robotics, which is a club involved in constructing robots that may be used for competitions.

“He had a lot to do with it all,” said senior Peter Heath, who is the president of the Robotics Club and also a student of the Engineering Academy.  “He was our mentor.”

An active lacrosse player himself while in college, Korzick also thought lacrosse would be a great addition to the athletic department.

Korzick founded Cal’s lacrosse team in 2004. He was also a head coach of the freshman football team in 2002.

Korzick maintained an active lifestyle. He participated in various sports, is a veteran of seven Ironman Triathlons, and was also a volunteer ski patrol for Tahoe Donner.

“We climbed Shasta together,” said teacher Steven Dick. “He was a very accomplished athlete.”

Korzick was known for his fun competitive side, especially when it came to biking.

Korzick would often have bike competitions with colleagues.

“I beat him twice,” Spanish teacher Jaime Brindley said with a laugh.

Korzick was also an avid traveler, visiting many countries including Croatia and India.

Last June, Korzick retired from Cal to pursue teaching in China.

Korzick’s wife, who is a former Bollinger Elementary School teacher, also retired in 2011 and accompanied him to Wuhan, China.

While in China, they led a group of instructors to teach conversational English to PhD students.

“Mr. Korzick was my husband of 42 years and my best friend,” said Mary Korzick. “He loved his daughters who all went to Cal High and their families very much.”

Korzick believed in the importance of education. His teachings have left a lasting legacy at Cal.

Korzick will be missed by the lives he’s touched as a husband, father, colleague, and educator.