Risser completes remarkable career at Central Christian
Dave Risser, center, shown here at an open house in his honor, recently completed his 47-year teaching career, all at Central Christian.
To know Dave Risser is to know love. Risser completed his 47-year career as a teacher at Central Christian School in Kidron at the conclusion of this academic year.
After growing up in South Central Pennsylvania and attending Eastern Mennonite University, he was led to Central, where he began teaching in 1976. Risser taught upper-level math and science courses along with numerous AP and College Credit Plus courses, becoming one of the most academically accomplished educators in the area.
Risser also was influential to the CCS soccer program, coaching junior varsity for eight years and 14 years at the varsity level. Risser led Central to its first district appearance and multiple state runs, and Central’s successful soccer program was built on his involvement.
While teaching at Central, Risser also was an adjunct professor at The College of Wooster for seven years. During these years of teaching, he completed a master's degree in curriculum instruction and was moving toward completing his master’s degree in mathematics education.
“Central provided him the opportunity to be the best version of himself. He made a great impact in the classroom and also in relationships,” CCS Superintendent Nathan Holton said, adding Risser made an effort to be a spiritual role model in each student’s life.
Beyond his academic resume, Risser touched hundreds of lives. Risser worked under nine superintendents, and no one in the school’s current administration has known Central without him. Risser is one of few teachers who has taught multiple generations of students and has worked alongside students who returned to teach at CCS.
“He has the incredible ability to develop relationships outside of the classroom, and that stems into stronger academic and spiritual lives for his students,” CCS Class of 2022 grad Andrew Fisher said.
Risser’s love for every student is felt by the entire community — everyone at Central knows Risser was vital to the culture of the school. He went out of his way to be a friend to students, an excellent educator and a loving peer to all those who know him.
“Every day in the classroom is a favorite because there are so many fun things that happen. It hardly felt like teaching was a job. It’s something I enjoyed so much and was lucky to do,” Risser said, reflecting on his career.
Though he is leaving the school, Risser will forever be influential to students, parents and faculty members who are part of Central Christian School.
During Central’s renovation in 2022, faculty and students were given the opportunity to write on the walls before they were covered with paint. Risser wrote, “A wonderful place to spend your life.” This perfectly encapsulates Risser’s legacy at CCS — a life lived with unconditional love for everyone around him.
Allison Mullet is a 2022 Central Christian School graduate.