Known for her passion and creativity, award-winning theater teacher Danielle Trebus has helped students grow both on the stage and off.
After 36 years of helping students on the stage, Trebus is retiring and said she is looking forward to some family visits.
“I don’t have any real plans after I retire other than making several trips to visit my family in Georgia, Seattle and Colorado along with decluttering my home,” Trebus said.
Trebus has directed shows and musicals at Staley High School for 11 years, but one holds a special place within her heart.
“My favorite memory at Staley is probably ‘Annie.’ I’m in love with musicals,”
Trebus said. “Every musical that we do, we are entered into Starlight’s Blue Star Awards. I got the first nomination for the Community Impact award for the very first year it was ever given at Starlight, and we won.”
Beyond the stage, Trebus hoped her impact reached her students on a more personal level.
“I hope my students remember that I was a good listener, I was fair, and I had a passion for theater,” Trebus said. “I have grown every year since I have been here. My students have taught me so much.”
Trebus said looking back on her time at the school, students have taught her some things, too.
“The biggest thing they’ve taught me is every voice matters,” Trebus said.
As Trebus prepared to leave the classroom she had some advice for new teachers.
“Try to really be present each day so that every day counts,” Trebus said.
After giving her advice, Trebus talked about how hard it will be to leave.
“I will miss my students every single day,” Trebus said.
Reflecting on what made her a strong teacher, Trebus shared that her ability to connect with students made a huge difference.
“I meet the students where they’re at,” Trebus said. “I try and find out what they know and then introduce things I think they need to know, then I ask them what their interested in.”
Trebus also reflected on what she was like as a student herself.
“I was an overachiever. I took every AP class, and I was involved in every choir and musical,” Trebus said.
As Trebus prepared to move on from teaching, she would leave behind a program she helped shape and students who will remember the lessons she taught on and off the stage. She will also continue to share her passion for theater by directing shows for Theater in the Park.
