Soo Line: Hudson Counselor Robert Driscol Honored as Gold Star Recipient

By Soo Greiman  

The small entourage that arrived at Hudson Community School days ago quietly walked  through the elementary hallways, one of them carrying a large gold star. Escorted to a  classroom, the group was preparing to make a surprise presentation to the teacher inside.  

Explaining why they were there, the message stunned the man standing at the front of  the room speaking to students. Robert Driscol turned to face Megan McKenzie, director of the  McElroy Trust, who announced she and her group from KWWL Television were in Hudson to  present him with something he did not know he was receiving — the widely recognized Gold  Star Teaching Award.  

Still surprised, but now smiling, the veteran educator of 34 years and current K-6  guidance counselor graciously accepted the star placed in his hands. As the group moved on  to make additional presentations, Driscol was encouraged to carry the gold star as he walked  through the hallways, now filled with students and staff who applauded him enthusiastically.  

For 38 years, the two sponsors of the honor — the McElroy Trust and KWWL Television  — have selected 10 Gold Star recipients from a large pool of nominated teachers. This year,  more than 730 nominations were submitted for 266 teachers. The top 10 winners represent  educators who rise above everyday standards to help students achieve their fullest potential. In  addition to a $1,000 honorarium, each recipient receives another $1,000 to benefit their  classroom.  

As one of this year’s recipients, Driscol, after completing the congratulatory walk  through the halls, paused to reflect on his career, family and what working with students has  taught him.  

Growing up in the small northeast Iowa town of Mount Auburn, he attended school in  La Porte City before continuing on to Kirkwood Community College and later earning his  degree in education from the University of Iowa. His first teaching position was at Waterloo’s  St. Edward School, where he taught K-8 physical education, served as junior high athletic  director and coached several sports. During that time, he enrolled in the school counseling  program at the University of Northern Iowa, eventually earning his master’s degree.  

Together with his wife, Laurie, also an educator, the couple raised three children —  Brady, Maggie and Allie. For years, as Robert left for Hudson, Laurie headed to Union Middle  School, where she taught and was also honored with the Gold Star award in 2006.  

Teaching clearly runs in the family. Brady is now a teacher and coach at Aplington Parkersburg, Maggie teaches at Hudson Elementary and Allie recently accepted a third-grade  position at Aplington-Parkersburg.  

After years of experience as both a teacher and counselor, Driscol did not hesitate  when asked about his favorite part of the job.  

“I enjoy connecting with children as young students then get to watch how they grow  over time,” he said.  

He also noted how the role has changed over the years.  

“I believe children need more guidance than previous generations as the world is  changing around us,” he said. “Technology, internet and social media have been game  changers in the topics that children are exposed to at a much younger age than previous  generations.” 

As a counselor, he acknowledges one of the biggest challenges is addressing the wide  range of issues young students now face.  

Two pieces of advice he often shares with students are simple but meaningful: “Treat  others the way you want to be treated” and “Do the right thing, even when no one is watching.”  With gratitude, Driscol shared that former students have returned or written letters  thanking him for his guidance.  

“This is appreciated because sometimes you begin to wonder if you’re making a  difference,” he said. “I know all staff appreciate hearing from former students about their  positive experiences.”  

“Teaching is not an easy job, even on the good days, so these reflections from former  students remind us why we are in the profession of education,” he added.  He also credits a longtime role model.  

“A role model I have had since my days as a student is my father-in-law, Phil Winther,  who was a counselor and coach in the La Porte City/Union School system for over 40 years,”  he said. “I always admired the way he handled things, his knowledge on many topics and the  advice he was able to give many.”  

After a 34-year career, Driscol said he is preparing for retirement, though he is not yet  sure what comes next.  

“After retirement I will miss the students and watching them grow,” he said. “I will miss  the great staff at Hudson who I have built relationships with over the years. I’ve honestly  enjoyed it all. I think our school district has achieved many things to be proud of, and I hope I  can be seen as part of those accomplishments as well as being a help to students, staff and  parents.”  

Students speak up, remembering lessons Mr. Driscol taught  

When the Hudson Herald asked students if they wanted to share some of the lessons  Mr. Driscol taught, their answer was emphatically “yes.” The following reflections shared by  students — simple reminders that reflect the impact of a thoughtful teacher.  

Don’t use violence or say mean stuff. — Jack  

Walk away if someone is being mean. — Everly  

If somebody needs help, help them up. — Coco  

If somebody’s being mean to you, give an “I message” and say, please stop, I don’t like that. —  Cason  

Help others. — Brody  

If you ask someone to please stop and they keep doing it, tell a teacher. — McKenna  He taught us to not go up to random people or strangers. — Clare  

Try to always keep your brain thinking. — Camden  

Keep your hands to yourself. — Jackson  

Take ownership. — Brielle  

Try your best if you have a test. — Emersyn 

Be yourself. — Beckett  

Teamwork means helping others. — Allan  

Don’t make a fight over something that’s not a big deal. — Jack  

If you have a hard feeling, try to get back to the good feelings. — Camden  Take deep breaths to calm yourself down when you’re mad. — Sam  

If somebody is feeling mad, maybe they’ll calm down if you play with them. — Carly  Be nice to other people and don’t rush through a test just to finish first. — Archie  

You don’t have to be scared to talk to a teacher about something bad. They are here to help  you. — Avery  

All the Keys of Excellence. Treat others how you want to be treated. — Hailey  Have a good balance of work and play. — Camryn  

Take ownership. — Vivienne  

Encourage other people. Cheer them on! — Jackson  

Be good even when no one is watching. — Hailey  

You can’t tell lies to other people. — Aria  

Never give up. — Beckett  

Tell the truth. — Aleah  

“Mr. Driscol has taught me to be kind and never do drugs.”  

“Mr. Driscol has helped me with stress relief and more. I’m happy that he won Gold Star.”  “Mr. Driscol has taught me to be nice to people no matter what.”  

“Mr. Driscol has taught me to always be honest and not to play video games all the time.”