At first, many students don’t realize that two familiar faces on campus share more than just a last name. Mrs. Copenhaver, who advises Craft Club, and Mr. Copenhaver, who teaches economics and government while also coaching soccer and track and field, are married, and together they form one of the school’s most dynamic teaching duos. The Copes.
Despite working in different subjects, both are known for building strong connections with students. One student described Mr. Copenhaver’s approach by saying “I like it. [his teaching style] It’s kind of slower paced, which helps me focus more. He’s very friendly with the students. He has a lot of friendships. There’s times where he jokes around with us, and then there’s times where he’s a teacher and he actually gets us focused on work,” Bridget Lewis (‘26) said.
Mrs. Copenhaver is equally as respected for her relationships with students and the engaging atmosphere she creates. A student shared “Her relationships are good with students. Especially with the hard ones. But she keeps a good relationship with them,” and highlighted what makes her class stand out, “The stuff she does in the class, like the fun activities,” said Brandon Parada (‘29).
The two balance school and at home life perfectly. Mr. Cope said, “Well she’s a lot nicer. [to students]. And I’m super organized, like, in my own way,” Mrs. Cope responded, “If you look at his stuff, it doesn’t look organized, but he knows what he’s doing. And I think I do better with the younger kids,” Even with their differences, they agree on one thing, “We don’t have any secrets,” Mr. and Mrs. Copenhaver said.
With their children now grown, the Copenhavers have embraced a new chapter of life. “Our kids are out of the house now. So that’s been different,” they said. That change has opened the door to lots of travel. “We were in Phoenix for Thanksgiving, but we go places all summer,” Mrs. Copenhaver said. “Spring breaks and Christmas breaks. We’re gone somewhere,” Mr. Copenhaver said.
Some of the Copes’ favorite destinations include France, camping in British Columbia, the beaches of Mexico, and Sun River, Oregon. “We have fun all the places. We’re very fun,” Mrs. Cope said.
Whether in a classroom, on the track, or travelling the world, The Copes show students that teamwork, balance, and passion can make both work and outside life meaningful.
