With a shift in open teacher positions, the Language Department was in need of a new, part time, Spanish teacher. The University of Detroit Jesuit High School and Academy had the perfect man to call when the time came- Mr. Tanner Russ. Mr. Russ is a U of D Alumni and is extremely fond of the school. He attended school at the High in 2014 and graduated in 2019, so he is not much older than the oldest students in the school. He attended Michigan State University and studied Spanish, making him the perfect Spanish teacher substitute. College was a whirlwind, but it helped him find what he loves to do: teaching others. Mr. Russ won’t be a part of the school forever though, because he has an exciting opportunity to teach students in Ecuador which is where he will be moving after first semester.
Mr. Russ grew up in Ferndale. U of D had always been a part of his life, from his siblings to his family. Mr. Russ has a connection with someone at the school, and someone rather important, Brother Boyton! Brother Boyton has been a major part of Mr. Russ’s life. Ever since he was ten years old, “Brother Boyton came over all the time for dinner at home, [he also] is the reason that I am here teaching at UofD, he called me with the job and well I said yes.”
While at UofD, Mr. Russ was an active member of the school and within the community. He was a varsity soccer athlete and helped run soccer camps for kids younger than him. He participated in Labre and is where he likely first found his love for helping others. Brother Boyton would consistently ask for his help with any volunteer work that needed to be filled, and Russ would never say no, especially if it was outdoors. Most of his favorite hobbies are outside, including rock climbing, frisbee golf, and working out. Anything that helps Mr. Russ stay active are his favorite activities, unless given the opportunity to travel. Mr. Russ has traveled across the globe visiting some remarkable places in Europe, Asia, and Latin America, tallying up to 24 different countries total.
Russ has a lot hidden about him behind his long locks of hair, but if asked a few questions, anyone can find out all the interesting things about him. Such as his talent for juggling, or his favorite memory in high school being an intramural’s championship in dodgeball, or that he lived in Mexico for a while working at a smoothie bar, under the wing of Christian, his favorite teacher ever. Or even just the fact that he has shared many of the same teachers with students such as his homeroom teacher Mr. Slaughter. Mr. Russ has a lot more to share and teach to the students of UofD. Whether he stays or goes, everyone knows how much of an impact he’s had on the school, its students, and the surrounding community.