Kurt Wetzel embodies the GA mission in so many ways. As an alum, parent, teacher, coach, and mentor, he exemplifies compassion and collaboration daily. As one nominee wrote, “whether he is balancing the discipline/motivation/empathy line with Lower School students or instructing X’s and O’s with his Upper School players on the soccer field, Kurt just gets it. He knows the history of GA, he believes in the spirit of GA, and he is an omnipresent face for students, athletes, parents, colleagues, and other alumni.”
A veteran member of the 5th Grade team, Wetzel develops connections with his students that go beyond their time in his classroom. Each year he is constantly looking for opportunities to volunteer and bring together the community to make GA stronger in whatever capacity he can.
In addition to his impact in the classroom, Wetzel has been coaching various teams of soccer at GA since 2003 and currently serves as the boys varsity coach, winning the Inter-Ac League in 2021 and tying for 2nd in 2022. He has also headed up the GA Summer Programs soccer camp as coach and director since 2003. Another nominee summed it up best by saying “Kurt’s name speaks for itself regarding his involvement throughout the GA community. GA alum, parent, teacher, coach, traffic coordinator, mentor…you name it, Kurt exemplifies compassionate in spirit and resonates all things GA.”