West Cook News

The Forest Park School District held a moment of silence at a recent board meeting in honor of one of their teachers, Marian Kosciarz, a physical education teacher who passed away unexpectedly Jan. 7 while on a diving trip in Florida.

"Mr. K was always looking for ways to engage his students with fun games and activities," Superintendent, Elizabeth Alverez, said during the meeting, according to a video of the event on the district’s YouTube page. "He was focused on meeting students where they were, particularly with athletic ability and helping each and every child be successful. From parachute games, scooter races, basketball, and volleyball units to jump rope for heart fundraising and even pickleball. The D91 students looked forward to going to PE because of Mr. K.”

Kosciarz was born in 1963 in Poland, according to his obituary. As a teenager, he fell in love with scuba diving, which became his lifelong passion. He traveled all over to dive eventually meeting his wife and later moving to the United States.

He served as a PE teacher for more than 20 years. The only thing he loved more than his students, according to his obituary, was his wife and children. He took them on numerous outdoor adventures each summer including kayaking, hiking, and camping trips.

A representative from the Forest Park Education Association attended the meeting and spoke about how Kosciarz taught his students how to work together and was always the “kindest and most helpful person in the building.”

“I am still in shock,” she said. “Tonight, we send our prayers and deepest sympathies to the Kosciarz family.”

Students loved Kosciarz’s classes, she said.

“I will miss him dearly,” she added. “We will never forget you Mr. K.”