Upon graduating in spring 2020 from Ursinus College, Edward Taylor Coombs Foundation scholarship award recipient Luke Gehlhaus almost immediately found the silver lining to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Following his virtual graduation, the economics degree holder and Hatboro-Horsham High School class of 2016 graduate was at a standstill pondering his career in a world that, for the moment, had seemed to stop spinning.
“It was really crazy,” Luke remembered. “No one was hiring.”
Suddenly his plans to work in the business field seemed less palatable. Between college ending without the usual pomp and circumstance and so many stories of teachers retiring, opting to leave the classroom, and the subsequent teacher shortage, Luke set out on a career change.
“That drove me into the teaching world and sparked me and got me interested in teaching,” said Luke, who works as a physical education and health teacher at Upper Moreland Middle School. “If COVID never happened I don’t know if I’d be sitting here right now with the phys. ed job.”
Switching career gears
Following his Ursinus graduation, Luke enrolled in online courses at Eastern University. After graduating in Spring 2021, he worked as a one-on-one aide, assisting a student with disabilities at Upper Moreland Middle School. The position provided Luke with firsthand insight into how special education teachers work with students of varying abilities.
Beginning in the 2022-2023 school year, he transitioned to the school’s physical education and health teacher, providing instruction to students in sixth, seventh and, eighth grades.
“I feel like I’m most strong in those subjects,” said Luke, who played football and basketball in high school and football at Ursinus, winning an award as Ursinus College’s most dedicated football player his senior year. “Being a phys. ed teacher allows me to motivate kids in different ways. It’s a really rewarding profession, especially seeing kids overcome challenges.”
How the scholarship helped
Coming from a family of teachers – including his mother who also worked as a physical education teacher – Luke did not need much coaxing to enter the classroom.
Yet, the support of the Edward Taylor Coombs Foundation “definitely helped” guide him in that direction.
“Just the fact that I was able to do something in Edward’s name and his legacy kept me motivated,” said Luke, who grew up on the same Horsham street as Edward and his family. “I knew it was something he was supposed to be doing when he was in college. I was living through what could have been for him.”
And on days when things were going less than perfectly, Luke tried to reframe his perspective, realizing that it could always be worse.
“It’s not always the end of the world,” Luke added. “I was keeping the thought of Edward in the back of my head.”
Years before Edward’s tragic death led to the creation of the foundation in his honor, he was making an impact on everyone he knew, including Luke. The then 12-year-old Edward was quick to add Luke to his team when the neighborhood kids played backyard baseball, football, and basketball.
“I was the youngest one. I was getting picked on the most,” Luke recalled. “Edward always had a special spot for me.”
Two decades later, Edward’s acts of kindness continue to make a positive impact.
“Having a friend in him really made a difference,” Luke said.
Paying it forward
Edward is never far from Luke’s mind. In his health classes at Upper Moreland, Luke shares with his students the importance of responsible decision-making and how substances such as drugs and alcohol can lead to tragedy.
“A lot of my kids listen to the story and understand,” he said. “I use that as a way to explain that this can happen to anyone, even superstars like Edward. He was a good kid who never got into trouble. No one is above anything. Things like this do happen.”
Luke is grateful for the opportunity to teach these and other important health, fitness, and wellness lessons to his students.
“I love my job. Do what you love and love what you do,” Luke said. “I kind of hit the jackpot with what I do.”
ETC Foundation – Making a difference!
The ETC Foundation, dedicated to making a meaningful impact, remains steadfast in its mission of education and empowerment. Serving as a guiding light of hope, the foundation is instrumental in changing lives and opening doors of opportunity for individuals like Luke Gehlhaus. By extending support to teenagers like Luke, the foundation not only encourages academic endeavors, but also nurtures a sense of determination and aspiration. The ETC Foundation’s commitment to creating a positive difference resonates in the transformative experiences of those it reaches, motivating young minds to pursue excellence and share the priceless gift of education with others.
Learn more about how the ETC Foundation helped the following scholarship recipients.
Final Thoughts
Luke Gehlhaus’s journey from an uncertain graduate to a dedicated teacher exemplifies the profound impact that support and inspiration can have on a person’s life. The Edward Taylor Coombs Foundation played a pivotal role in guiding Luke toward a fulfilling career, allowing him to carry forward Edward’s legacy in meaningful ways. By fostering a sense of purpose and resilience, the foundation continues to make a difference, not only in the lives of scholarship recipients but also in the communities they serve. Luke’s story is a testament to the power of determination, the importance of giving back, and the enduring influence of those who inspire us to be our best selves.
