Smoky Teacher Passes Away
Loss of young Social Studies teacher shocks community
January 19, 2015
Smoky Hill teacher Mitchell Hanson passed away Friday, Jan. 16.
According to a Facebook post by Hanson’s mom, Penny Hanson, Hanson died as a result of “complications from depression and substance use disorder.“ She also wrote that the death of the 28-year-old was sudden and accidental.
Hanson was a social studies teacher, an AVID teacher, a drum line coach, and a Mock Trial director. He had been on leave from Smoky Hill since mid November.
Students are asked to wear orange on Wednesday, Jan. 21, to honor Hanson’s memory because it was his favorite color.
According to the same Facebook post, the family will be celebrating Hanson’s life Saturday, January 24. Details are yet to be posted.
The staff of the SmokyNow website invites all members of the Smoky Hill community to post their memories of Mr. Hanson at the bottom of this page in the comments area.
Kelsea • Jan 19, 2015 at 10:13 pm
Mr. Hanson was the best teacher I could have he really taught me a lot. But when I was in his class it wasn’t all about doing work and learning but we had more laughs in one that I didn’t think I could laugh anymore. He definitely knew how to make anyone smile, he was the best teacher I’ve ever had in my life and will always be my favorite teacher. Mr. Hanson will be very missed and loved but definitely could never be forgotten. Rest in paradise
Mona Jabr • Jan 19, 2015 at 9:47 pm
Even though I only knew Mr.Hanson for a year it felt like it was many years. He was such a great teacher, who helped me not just learn things about school but also have fun while I’m at it. I have never seen him not smile, he just seemed that nothing ever bothered him. I remember the days he dressed up all in orange since it was his favorite color, and the days he asked if he should get haircut. Mr.Hanson we will miss you so much and you will always be remembered.
Tyler Irvin • Jan 19, 2015 at 2:46 pm
I have many good memories of Mr. Hanson. He was the drum lines instructor an amazing teacher and a great friend. Thou I knew him for only two years I feel like I have known him longer and miss him greatly. Our group chat has not stopped talking about him or about how we can’t believe he is really gone.
Nayelly • Jan 19, 2015 at 2:31 pm
Yesterday, around ten pm, my group chat was blowing up about the incident. We are. his drum line group. At first, we were in shock, and denial, we all had our hopes up for seeing him on Wednesday. We spent marching band making jokes with him, making cymbal routines for him, and i guess just bonding. Everyone knew him. Since he was a drummer, we all had that connection with him, as percussionists. He taught us, along with our other instructor, how to be serious, but have fun at the same time, while our backs were killing us. We can’t just give one memory, why would we, if we had so many? One memory i would like to share, though, is a day at a basketball game. He was helping out at concessions, and we decided we’d serenade him with cadences, he was obviously embarrassed, and adults nearby were annoyed by our instruments. We didn’t care, we played loud for Hanson. And we still will. Rest in peace, Bud.