Have you ever met a person busier than Mrs. Staver? Well, I got a chance to sit down with her and ask her a couple of questions. Here’s what I learned.

Where did you grow up? What was your childhood like?
I was born and raised in Darlington, Wisconsin. Pretty typical in the 70s and 80s. You know, you went outside in the day and you didn’t come in until the lights turned off. My dad taught school for 38 years, my mom owned a clothing store. I’m ‘just a small-town girl living in a lonely world.’

What did you want to be when you were younger? And why?
Oh, gosh, an actress. Because I’m so dramatic. I still think I could make it if I tried.

What is your favorite thing about working at Mineral Point High School, and why?
I love how progressive Mineral Point is and how they embrace wanting to be the best. I love that the kids are totally outgoing and willing to try stuff, and they’re not too cool for school. When I come up with my crazy ideas, I have my little cronies that will do it.

Why do you enjoy teaching English? And what is your favorite topic to teach?
I gotta say, I really struggled as a student, and I got decent grades. But I have ADD. So school was not easy for me. I think I like to teach English because it was hard for me, and I feel like I can find ways to help kids understand it. I know the struggle so I do make it challenging because I want them to rise up and I gotta say after 32 years, I love teaching grammar. I’m a dork. I know it. I love teaching grammar and vocabulary words in academic writing. So most of the stuff that you guys all hate. That’s what I really love now.

What is your favorite thing to do outside of school and why?
Sports activities. I was a college gymnast. Both my kids played college basketball, and they were always in sports. So pretty much sports encompass our world even though both my kids now are done. We watch Isaac play for the Badgers now, Mallory’s now playing at Oshkosh, and yeah, we follow Eli. We love doing sports.

How long does it take you to design all the graphics you use?
Oh, that takes a while because I’m so picky. I always want it to be cool and not just the norm. Like I said earlier, I have ADD, which [helps] my focus. You know, while I’m listening, I like to do that, and I can doodle. I really embrace cutting music and designing T-shirts and that’s just kind of my creative outlet. It’s kind of my therapy.

What did you love most about your kids growing up?
They’re so funny. They’re still funny. Watching them play sports, they always did really well and their teams were successful. So that was super fun. You know, and, but still to this day, my kids are hilarious. Like my husband and I, that’s who we hang around with. We have so much fun with them.

What is your best advice to give to any high schooler?
Don’t be afraid to be your own person to ask for help when you need it. To stand up for what you believe in and to know, and love the skin you’re in. And then I think that makes you be kind to everyone. Being kind is such an easy thing to do.

This interview has been edited for length and clarity