Alicia Von Stein, PE teacher, coach, died on April 17 in her home. She worked for the school district since the early 2000s, and was a beloved staff member. As a tribute to show how much impact she had on students at the high school, a survey was sent out to give students the opportunity to share their experiences with Von Stein.

“She was an amazing person and I hope she is resting in peace.” – Allie Parker, 11

“My favorite memory with Ms.Von Stein was when I was in class one day and I was telling her about how when I was younger I used to write my y’s backwards, and she said “aww you was dumb”. It was really funny, and that just shows you the humor and laughs she made/created. I will forever miss her, she was my favorite teacher, coach, friend, therapist, and overall someone who made the biggest impact on me. I can only hope and pray that she knows how much she was loved.”- Olivia Dyer, 9

“Ms. Von Stein was an amazing teacher and I loved having her for all three years of middle school. She was so supportive of everyone and their hobbies even if she didn’t know much about them. I remember her telling me I should try out for the dance team in high school and I did and then whenever I made the team she was so happy for me because she knew it was something important to me. She was always so happy and I’ll miss her.” – Brooke Proterra, 10

“Ms. Von Stein has been my teacher since Kindergarten through 4th grade and then again 6th-8th. At Wolf Creek in PE class, I would sing karaoke with her instead of playing games. In middle school, she was always someone’s opinion I valued through the ups and downs of my life. She also coached me in volleyball and she believed in me and made me believe in myself. She made me a better person and be able to become the confident person I am today. Even through high school, I looked forward to seeing her at games and to catch up with her.  I couldn’t imagine what life would be like without her being in it and all the positive impacts she’s made on me and my peers. She will forever be missed.” – Adelyn Bauer, 12

“She was not only my teacher, or my mentor, but my friend. She truly cared about her students and always wanted everyone to be included, to feel seen and heard, and to overall just make their day at least a little bit better. She always encouraged us to be our best selves and that is something I will think about everyday. My favorite memories with her are staying after class with my friends at least for a minute or two to talk with her or get advice. Going forward, I hope we all take a piece of her advice and just always stay happy and focus on something good, even if it’s small.” – Kali Shirley, 9

“Von Stein was more than just a coach. Von Stein was my idol. She taught me to be mentally tough and never give up on myself. She was one of the sweetest and kindest souls I had ever met. Von Stein taught me to be the person I am today. I have more memories of her than I can count. I will miss her humor and the way she never let any of us get down on ourselves. She made everyone around her feel special and loved. When you were with her there was no way to be sad. I will miss her hugs and just the small conversations we used to have. She was a light in this world. She will forever be missed by everyone who was lucky enough to know her.” – Lily Wallace, 9

“Dear Von Stein, you had such an impact on my life. You brighten every single day. I hope you know how loved you are and how hard this loss is. Some of my favorite memories of us were you pulling me out of class to talk just because I had a bad day, our daily talks at shot put and hanging out in your office with you. I also remember how encouraging you were when you coached me in basketball and in middle school when we would get ready after practice before school.  I love you and miss you so much. Thank you for being such a good mentor and cheerleader. Love Ella.” Ella Buchholz, 11

“I’ve known Von Stein for the last 7 years. She was my coach, mentor, teacher, and overall another hand in guidance. There have been times where I needed to talk to someone and she would pull up a chair and let me get whatever I needed off my chest. Whether it was about school, sports, or something silly, all she wanted to see was her students’ smiles. She always had a bubbly personality when she came to work. Hyping up her student before a workout, game, or track meet. She made an impact on all of us in her own way and built relationships with students, parents, and teachers that’ll never be forgotten.” – Keara Simpson, 12

“Ms. Von Stein was such an amazing person. PE class was definitely an amazing part of my day in 7th and 8th grade. One thing I and so many others will remember is the positive feeling you got when she was around. Her smile lit up the room and she was so kind to everyone. Even those who rarely talked to her will always be impacted by her greatness and kindness towards others.” – Emma Hays, 11 

“I moved to Woodland in 7th grade and didn’t know anyone. Von Stein immediately became someone I trusted with everything. We got super close in 8th grade when I was her TA for the whole year. She would always cheer me up when I wasn’t feeling well and always gave me the best advice a teenage girl could get. I don’t remember a single bad day with Von Stein, it would always be a good day as long as I saw her. She was a light in everyone’s lives and impacted so many with her support and loving heart. Me and my friends would stay after school and do nail club with Von Stein and if there was any teacher to do something like that it would be her. I still remember all of our inside jokes and nicknames and will never forget how I became tater tot.” – Taytum Baldwin, 10

“Ms. Von Stein, thank you for everything you did for me and for making me a better person. I will always miss you forever and ever thank you for changing my life.” – Calahan Wyse, 9

“Vonny brought me to the sport that I love most, despite what others said about it. She believed in me and knew I would accomplish great things. She almost dropped me off at tryouts because I was too nervous of what people would say and what my parents would say from asking. She told me that I didn’t need anybody’s support but only needed my own. Today, I committed D1 to play volleyball and I give it to her for making me go to those tryouts.” – Miles Pankey, 12

“I’ve known Coach Von Stein since I was in kindergarten. I also had her in 1st, 6th, 7th, 8th, and I had her as a basketball coach this year. I have so many great memories with her, like when she would talk with us on the bench during basketball games, make jokes with us at practice, and find fun challenges for us to try in gym. It was always a highlight of my day to get to see her. She was always the most positive person in the room and was able to spread that happiness to everyone around her. She would always ask how we were and how our other sports were going, and really cared about how we were doing. She made an impact on so many people and she will be forever loved.” – Olivia Anthony, 9

“She was an amazing coach and she has helped me get better every single day. She had a big impact on my life.” – Leslie Howell, 9

“Ms. Von Stein was such an impactful person in my life and has helped me become the person I am today. She always pushed me to be the best version of myself and was always someone I could talk to. We had so many good laughs, talks, and a cry here and there. I got the honor to be her volleyball manager, teacher assistant, athlete, and student. She was always pushing me to be the best athletically and has made me the hard worker I am today. I love her so so much and she will always have a special place in my heart.” – Victoria Howle, 9

“Ms. Von Stein was an amazing person. If she was having a bad day you could never tell. She was my elementary PE teacher and I was always excited to go and see what fun activity was today. I remember when she left to go to woodland I was very sad but I was excited to have her in high school sports. She was always kind and managed to make me laugh. There was one time we had a couple of Cidney on the team (Not spelled the same way as mine). So she called me Tifneiefy and I found it really funny. Basketball won’t be the same.” – Cidney Hines, 10

“Ms. Von Stein was my first ever homeroom teacher. I remember how she’d always let me come up to her just to talk. I also remember how she’d make me laugh and feel comfortable during gym. After middle school, I didn’t get to see her much until last March when I got to see her at a basketball game. While I didn’t get to stay for the full game I got super excited when I noticed she was there and managed to get her attention. I waved at her, and she waved back, and we smiled at each other. I am so so glad that I got to share that happy moment with her.” – Daphne Mullies, 12

“Von Stein was my PE teacher, coach, mentor, and friend. She was a positive light for me at school and practice. You knew you were going to have a good time when she walked into a room. She went out of her way to really get to know every girl on the basketball team on and off the court and would always give the best advice you never knew you needed. Von Stein was one of the funniest and kindest people I’ve ever met. She was someone I looked up to and someone I will forever miss.” – Addison Bond, 12

“She was my first PE teacher when I moved to Spring Hill; she made me feel comfortable with being myself around my peers as well as her. She always cheered me up and was constantly supporting me growing up. She was also my sister’s basketball coach. While my sister was playing a game, I would always get so excited to see Ms. Von Stein coaching; after the game I would run up to her and give her the biggest hugs. Looking back at elementary school, those are one of the things I remember most.” – Caylee Callen, 11

“I had Coach Von Stein in elementary school and continued to have a connection with her throughout the rest of my schooling leading up until now. Even though I had coach Von Stein such a long time ago, she still made an impact on me. She would always be such a joyful person day in and day out; at track meets she would always come up to me and ask me how my season has been going and would tell me that I’m going down because her throwers are the best. I have seen her coach, and I have seen her teach; she has made such a positive impact on all of us. No matter what the situation may be, she has always been one to lift you up.” – Kinsley Rodden, 10

“Ms. Von Stein was one of the best teachers at Woodland Spring. Even if you didn’t have her as a teacher, she was someone you could look up to for anything. I will never forget all of our conversations and how she pushed me to be the best version of myself. Your kindness will never be forgotten. Ms. Von Stein, I miss you so much!” – Anna Hord, 12

“I remember having Ms. Von Stein as a gym teacher in elementary school, and her kindness made the experience really enjoyable for me. Her Halloween costumes always made me laugh.” – Forrest York, 10

“Ms. Von Stein was a wonderful teacher, loved by many. She had a kind, welcoming heart and a warm sense of humor that made everyone feel at home. Ms. Von Stein truly loved her students and community. She touched many lives, inspired students, and made a lasting difference. I feel incredibly lucky to have known her. Ms. Von Stein will always hold a special place in my heart and in the hearts of so many others. Her memory will live on in all of us who had the honor of being part of her life.” – Maxwell Hanna, 12

“Ms. Von Stein was an amazing teacher and person. She would always greet me and my friends with a smile and let us do our own thing as long as we stayed active. She showed me how important physical education was and now I do tennis, soccer, and go on lots of walks. She was special to everyone and we miss her a bunch. Fly high <3” – Brooklyn Azevedo, 9

“Von Stein was tough but pushed me to be the best. She was always so kind and had a big smile on her face. She made me feel like I mattered.” – Caitlin Winebrenner, 10

“Von Stein was always my favorite. She was often tough on me but always pushed me to be the best I could be.  I felt like I could always say anything to her and not feel judged, whatsoever.” – Jane Hughes, 10

“Ms.Von Stein was not just a teacher to me; she was a part of my heart. Without her, I would not be the person and player I am today. She was a huge role model to every single student and taught them how to be the best version of themselves. She treated all of her students like her children and would do anything for us; there was never a dull moment when she was in the room. She was the reason school was so enjoyable even if I just saw her for one class period. Whenever I had free time, I would always stop by and say hi, and she would always have the brightest smile on her face. I will not just remember her as one of my teachers, but I will remember her as the adult who changed my life. She will always have a special place in my heart.” – Brinley Thompson, 9

“I had the honor of knowing Von Stein as a coach and a person. My sister, Lauren Delker, played varsity basketball all four years of high school, and I would see Von Stein give her all during the timeouts. A few years later, I had the honor of knowing her for all three years of middle school. She was always there for me when I needed a hug, a laugh, or an honest opinion. She would always call me ‘Baby Delker’ or ‘Mini Delker,’ and I loved it — she never knew how much. She made going into that locker room so much fun, and I cherish those moments where she would let us pick the music on the days we had her in gym.” – Mia Delker, 9

“Ms. Von Stein was my gym teacher in middle school for all three years, and she had such a big impact on my life and made PE a class to look forward to every single day. She was so nice to everyone and gave so much inspiration to those who needed it most. I miss her very much, and she will forever be remembered in all of the lives of those who knew her.” – Liam Jones, 10

“Ms.Von Stein was always so positive and made my day better everyday. Always walking in with a smile on her face and brightening the room. When coaching basketball she could be a little strict but always supportive and having positive feedback after. If there were one word to describe Ms.Von Stein it would be amazing.” – Addison Nichols, 9

“Ms. Von Stein wasn’t just a teacher to me; she was a mentor and a leader for not just me but everyone around me. She introduced me to things I never once thought I would do including sports and even friendships I never thought I would have. I will always remember going to see her before school because she was the person to make your day 10 times better even with just a smile. I will forever remember how you said soccer wasn’t a sport, so that just made me do even better to prove you wrong. I will forever miss your contagious smile and laughter, but I will continue to live in your footsteps and always remember you whenever I do anything because you would always want us to do our best. There will always be a special place in my heart for you.” – MaKenna Koster, 9

“Me and some of my friends would always go into her office, and one day we decided to do a white elephant at the Dollar Tree because Von Stein said she had no money. So we came back the next week, and Von Stein decided to take my cup that I gave to the white elephant.” – Caylin Mermis, 9

“Ms. Alicia Von Stein was more than just a gym teacher — she was a force of nature. She made us believe we could run faster, jump higher, and always do one more push-up. Her laugh echoed in the gym like a victory bell, and her encouragement stuck with us long after the final whistle. Even now, as a junior, I still hear her voice pushing me to never quit. She didn’t just build our muscles— she helped build our character. Rest easy, Coach Von Stein. You are deeply missed.” – Michael Mader, 11

“I remember Ms. Von Stein would always tell me I reminded her of the dance from Napoleon Dynamite. So one class I learned the dance and performed it for her and Pipkin. I remember she could not stop laughing.” –  Aubrey Melius, 9

“She never failed to cheer for me and show me what I can be capable of even when coaching an opposing team. During some of the worst years of my life, she was there and supported me the entire time.” – Rylee Jones, 11

“Oh Ms.Von Stein, where do I start? I have gotten the amazing opportunity to have her as a teacher in first grade, a teacher in sixth grade, and as my basketball coach for four years in high school. Von Stein was way more than just my coach and teacher. I thought of Von Stein as my basketball mom. I saw her ALL the time. She was the one to be there for me when I was feeling down; she would absolutely never baby me, but she would be there for me with advice, hard truth, and every time a joke and smile to make me feel better. She was one of the only people I was absolutely ok with being tough and hard on me. She was the funniest person while managing to be the realest person out there. I cannot express how much I will miss her.” – Kallie Rodden, 12

“What a beautiful angel heaven has gained. A life so full and lived so effortlessly beautiful by a soul who has departed from our world far too soon. Ms. Von Stein has been the biggest and brightest light to all those who she was surrounded by. Her mind and soul harmonized together so beautifully, and the words that she spoke, especially when giving advice, is a lesson so powerful that it made the heaviest impacts on her peers. Her heart was purely kind, and she had a soul that shined from miles and miles away. Rest in love Von Stein, may heaven show you love the way you have shown us while you blessed us with your precious presence.” Sophie Tiafau, 12

“Coach Von Stein was one of the best friends, coaches, and supporters I have ever met. She had this presence about her and always managed to brighten a room. She was kind and thoughtful. I remember one time she brought donuts to a Saturday morning practice for the whole basketball team. I’m going to miss her when I play and practice. It just won’t be the same without her. I was looking forward to her seeing the rest of my basketball career. When I pictured the future basketball program, I pictured that she would be there with us, but now that’s not going to happen. Thank you Von Stein for all that you did. We will definitely miss you.” – Addie McConnell, 9

“I never had Ms. Von Stein as a coach. However, she was my elementary school gym teacher. I didn’t get the chance to really get to know her as a person, but I knew she was one that put others first. During my elementary years, she would do anything to put a smile on her students’ faces. I remember she would be so encouraging and so funny to be around that PE class was what I looked forward to every day. She had a complete impact on this whole generation as she followed us from school to school and eventually [through] coaching. Again, I never had her as a coach, but it would have been a huge blessing and honor to have her as one.” – Ellyn Thompson, 11

“Ms. Von Stein was one of the first teachers that I had at Spring Hill. I was moving back to Kansas and was nervous about people not liking me. When I met Von Stein, she was incredibly kind and immediately sarcastic with me. She made me smile and feel welcome. I’ve always had anxiety, and she knew this. Even if it was just a smile in the hall or a pat on the back from her, she would make sure that I knew she was there. It made such a difference. And she did the same for so many others. I was always happy to see her during basketball season at the high school, and I wish now that I would have spent more time talking to her. Seeing her was the highlight of my day. I’ll miss her forever, but I know that she is still here with all of us.” – Maura Fuqua, 11

“Alicia was originally my elementary PE teacher at Wolf Creek Elementary. During my second grade year, my mom started working as the school nurse. She and Alicia became good friends and would start to hangout outside of school. Our family would go to her house every year and hangout before and after going trick or treating in her neighborhood. I also remember one time when she locked herself out of her house, so I had to climb inside her basement through a window to unlock her door from the inside. She also used to joke about how Eric Hosmer was going to be her husband, and one year she showed up for Halloween as his bride. She was one of the greatest teachers and people I have ever met. – Anderson Talbott, 11

“Ms. Von Stein was my PE teacher from first grade all the way until eighth grade. I knew her for 12 years, and in those years, she became not only a close teacher but a friend. She was always supportive and always brought her smile and sense of humor to work. I didn’t know anyone who didn’t love to be around her. She has done so much for Spring Hill and will be remembered for a very long time.” – Ramey Krokstrom, 12

“I was a manager for basketball sophomore year, and about a month into the season, I realized I missed playing the sport. I jokingly said on the bench, ‘what if I come to practice tomorrow as a player?’ Von Stein was the first one to say ‘do it!’ She was being totally serious, and when I went to practice the next day and was dying cause I was out of shape, she was the one to support me and tell me it’ll get easier. I don’t think I would’ve stuck with basketball the following year if Vonnie hadn’t been there to walk me through it and see me when I felt alone.” -Jentry Hunt, 11

“Ms. Von Stein was truly a huge impact on my life. Every morning, my friends and I would go sit in her office in the mornings and just sit and talk. She also gave the best advice and never failed to make us feel comfortable or laugh. She always said the right words. She would push you until you couldn’t be pushed anymore. She was everyone’s biggest supporter even if she didn’t like you. She just wanted you to succeed.” – Isabelle Olcott, 11

“Von Stein as a truly amazing woman. No matter what, she was always kind and extended grace to her students. I was going through a very hard time in middle school, and I was so angry, but she always understood and got me talk to her about it even when I was saying things that I could get reported for. She just listened and made sure I was safe. I wish her friends and family the best, and I hope she knew that she made a difference in so many lives. Rest in peace Von Stein; you lived an amazing life and you’re a role model to all!<3” – Milo Flissinger, 11

“She was so kind, helpful, and always is a positive mood. She found ways to encourage us and cheer us up.” Megan Koenig, 10