Mr. Drozd was one of the few teachers who gently and successfully corraled my son's wandering mind; and he has been able to share these incredible skills with his students. He did not appreciate Mr. Drozd's gift until many many years later when he was trying to reach inner city high school students who had never had those advantages.
- Trish Cooper
Mr. Drozd was always just coming from: teaching, coaching, running, hoops, etc. His energy was boundless and his sarcastic wit memorable to this day. I'm sure that he helped my survival through sophomore year and beyond. Although my name became 'Mercutio' (RIP Dave Flynn, '88) for months following our class reading of R & J, I was much more engaged in his class than in some of my college courses (undergrad & grad). He made the laziest, most procrastinating student enjoy reading, writing and analysis. We never felt that he demanded too much, even when he demanded too much. He always had our best interests at heart. Peace to you; God Bless you and your family, Mr. Rich Drozd.
- Maceo Willis
I met Mr. Drozd 15 years ago this past summer. And while he began as a coach and teacher, he quickly evolved into a mentor and friend. Mr. D was one of the more quotable people I ever came to know and someone who could mix the perfect blend of wit, sarcasm and sincerity all in one sentence. His soundbites were numerous and while I hope many them remain firmly in memory, there is already a great sense of loss that we'll no longer be adding to the list. Thanks, Mr. Drozd for a decade and a half of laughs, inspiration and friendship. And just as you would have said it: Cheers!
- Nick Genevish
Mr. Drozd always demanded excellence from his students. I will always remember his acerbic wit and his no-nonsense approach. He was a great teacher. Our thoughts and prayers are with him and his family.
- Sean Macmanus
I am sorry to hear about this message. Mr. Drozd allowed me to adapt well to the Prep life during my freshman year. Even though almost three years have passed, I can clearly remember his words such as calling people a "dope!" and his great teachings. His class was never boring and his humor and generosity can never be forgotten. I love you Mr. Drozd and I will miss you a lot.
- Kibeom Hong
I have truly fond memories of the quick wit and pointed humor Mr. Drozd brought to every class. I not only learned about the English language, but I also learned about the power of humor and sarcasm as tools for communication. He was a fine teacher and wonderful man.
- Michael “Woody” Woodward
I am very sorry to hear of the news. I have only fond memories of Mr. Drozd. He always seemed at peace with his faith. I am only sure that he is in a better place now. May he rest in peace and my thoughts are with his family.
- Ali Amini
Mr. Drozd treated you like an adult (even if you weren't) and expected you to act like one (even if you didn't). He conveyed a great deal about life just by sharing his own passions (like literature, ACC hoops, and the power of donuts to bring people together). And he was also honest about his view of the world, which could be a difficult place to understand from within the bubble of Prep. He gave you a sense that one day you were going to be out of Prep and have to figure things out for yourself. And while he didn't sugarcoat things, he put a lot of effort into building you up for life after Prep. I can remember him saying in class, on multiple occasions, something like, "If anybody ever tells you that you are not good enough, don't listen to them. They don't know what they are talking about. Especially professors." That meant a lot coming from a guy who was generally sarcastic and gruff (and who occasionally indicated that you, in fact, might not be good enough). One other memory - he taught us to write "Ha!" in the margins next to examples of irony. I still do that. He was funny as hell, and a really good guy. I'm very glad to have known him when I did.
- Luke Jones
A great teacher, a great friend.
- Joe Brigati
Although I only had the pleasure of conversation with Mr. Drozd a few times, there was an energy about him that immediately made me want to tune in a bit more, yet slow down and speak thoughtfully. The interesting combination of vibrancy and serenity that he both exuded and inspired was palpable even in the briefest of greetings on the quad; I can only imagine how it swirled in his classroom. He was one of the first voices my son heard at Prep as his freshman English teacher, and the confidence Mr. Drozd instilled was as valuable as the knowledge he imparted. With these gifts he gave so many, his memory will surely be kept alive. "It's about heart, it's about feelings, moving people, and something beautiful, and it's not about notes on a page..." -Mr. Holland's Opus
- Jill Brigati
Rich was my brother and I can't imagine my life without him. Reading all the wonderful things said about him gives me some comfort in these otherwise dreary days. Thank you Georgetown Prep for all that you have been to him. Please help to keep his memory alive.
- Janice Martineau
Mr. Drozd was my homeroom advisor all four years at Prep as well as my teacher for senior year. If I was ever having a bad day or trouble with something, Mr. Drozd would be the first person to ask me what was going on. He also inspired my love of film and I will never view a movie the same, thanks to Mr. Drozd. He will be missed greatly.
- Patrick Mulquin
I had Mr. Drozd as a teacher and coach (freshman basketball). He was a great guy who left a lasting impression on me. He had a classic dry wit and sarcasm that always made me laugh. He was truly a "straight-shooter." If one of your papers was awful, he'd let you know. He never sugar-coated things, but in a way that he always left you laughing at yourself. If he thought you used Cliff Notes to write a paper, he'd call you out for it. He claimed his tests were "Cliff-Note proof" to scare students away from trying to use them. While he was a tough critic, he also recognized a great paper and gave credit when credit was due. He demanded your best effort and was a great teacher. He was a also a good person who was well-liked. His humor was always appreciated by the student body. He will be missed.
- Brian Dugan
To me, it always seemed fitting that Mr. Drozd taught literature and film, because he was such a classic character himself. Everything about him—from his vest-oriented, bohemian sartorial style, to his inimitable loping walk and his oft-imitated train whistle of a voice, to the twinkle in his eye and the grey in his beard—cut the figure of the august academic that he was. And still, he was so much more. He was quick-witted, yet deeply thoughtful; urbane, yet not afraid to be vulgar; bitingly sarcastic, yet endlessly compassionate. He had the ability to reach every student that he taught—to make the “bookish” kids feel cool and the “cool” kids feel like reading books. As all great teachers are, he was generous with praise for work that met his near impossible—but always fair—standards, and he was painfully constructive with a critique when he knew his students were capable of much better. When I think about how we have lost Mr. Drozd, I want to cry yet I cannot help but smile thinking about all of the happy memories that I have of him. I think about how he used to start every AP Literature class by pushing the desks into a circle—an adolescent Algonquin roundtable where he made us feel like we were equal to his superior intellect. I think about the time he sang Emily Dickinson’s “Much Madness is Divinest Sense” to the tune of the Gilligan’s Island theme song, to demonstrate how to follow the proper rhythm and meter of her poetry. I think about the impromptu nature walk that he took our Sophomore English class us on the day before Thanksgiving break, in order to fully immerse us on our unit on Whitman, Thoreau and Emerson. I think about the trash-talk that we used to fire back and forth before and after Redskin-Giants games, and the argument that we had over whether Marcus Mason was going to run track or play lacrosse (for the record, Drozd won that one). I think about the time he once mercilessly criticized my (inexplicable) endorsement of John Denver as a respectable musician, only to return the next class and admit, “John Denver doesn’t totally suck. ‘Sunshine On My Shoulders’ is a pretty good song.” I think about how I would see him on Prep’s campus when I would return periodically in the years following my graduation, usually running or coaching runners—a man going about his business with a preternatural intensity, tempered by an effortless kindness. And I think about the unofficial Christmas tradition that we had been developing, where I would seek out him and Ms. Hanes on the steps of the Chapel after Midnight Mass to exchange warm embraces and wishes for a happy new year. When I was catching up with Mr. Drozd at my 10-year Reunion in May, I told him that he could not ever retire because he is the bridge that keeps so many alumni connected with—and coming back to—Prep. He demurred, of course, with equal parts humility and humor, but I think he knew that I was serious. I will miss Mr. Drozd, but the memory of him will keep me coming back to Prep and make me forever grateful for attending a school that was lucky enough to capture the heart and imagination of such a wonderful man for 29 years.
- Alexander Gormley
Mr Drozd was instrumental in my son Lance's acceptance at Prep in the fall of 2000. During some typically challenging times for the parents of a high school student, Rich helped my wife and I navigate through some troubled waters. And for a very tough two-year period of my own on/off employment, he was a sound, rational voice in a sea of noise and confusion. I missed him even before he passed away and I miss him more now.
- Ron Burleson
I don't remember what year I was, but I wanted to get Mr. Drozd something for Christmas. I had no idea what he liked so I asked him point blank. Unlike a lot of people, he shot right back, “Wild Turkey.” I loved that guy. He made it easy.
- Ramon Guevara
I knew Rich only through the small faith community who attend daily Mass at Prep each morning. He was faithfully there each and every day and we shared the good times and bad times of people's lives for whom we prayed together. Now we pray in thanksgiving to God for Rich's life, his gifts and his friendship, and extend our sympathy to the Prep faculty and students who will miss him as we will. May our friend rest in peace and enjoy the heavenly banquet he has earned while he was with us.
- Martha Novelly
Coach Drozd was almost like a father to me. He kick started my love of running, and I think that if I had not had him as a coach, I may not be running, or at least love running as much as I do now. It was a pleasure to be coach of the cross-country team my senior year, having had him as a coach for four years and a teacher for film class. Mr. Drozd has many funny moments. I only have enough space to tell you one or two. After we “dogged” (Coach Drozd's favorite word) the race at Outlands my senior year, Ramsey, Carl, Gyenis, Nick Ashur, Nick McGuirre, Ryan, and myself were standing near a tree near the team’s tarp. Coach Drozd lumbers over in his Mr. Drozd walking style and pulls us all aside to talk to us. He then proceeded to say, "You three (pointing to Ramsey, Carl and Gyenis) can be happy, you (Nick Ashur and Nick McGuirre) can be moderately happy, and you (Ryan and I) can be morose. Another funny story occurred towards the end of a football game, while Nick Jessen, Ryan and I were hanging out in Haas on the bench where the artwork hangs. We were talking about some nefarious matter, when Mr. Drozd enters, headed for the faculty room, completely ignorant of the fact that we were there too. He approached the door and tried to open it. Next words out of his mouth: "Bleep a giant duck!!!" as he spun on his heels. To his surprise, we were there at which point he said, “Oops, my bad. I didn't know that anyone was here!” After he left the three of us broke out into uncontrollable laughter. One more story - one year Mr. Drozd decided to bring the A Zeir and T Zeir with us to the running camp at Coach Smith's parents’ house in wintergreen. One of the captains decided it was a good idea to buy ‘Utz Party Mix’ when we made the epic stop for groceries at Harris Teeter. So one night before dinner, A Zeir was sitting on the couch eating the party mix. Of course this was after Coach Drozd had talked to us about proper eating habits for a runner. So Mr. Drozd took care of the problem by proclaiming, “Stop eating that s**t and eat some real food!” At the end of the camp the last morning, after a few of the others had gotten up, Coach Drozd decided it was time for A Zeir to wake up. So Mr. Drozd asked me if he could borrow my pillow - I said yes - and whacks A Zeir in the back of the head with it! Mr. Drozd will be greatly missed, as well as his sense of humor. And of course how could we miss his neat, intelligible handwriting and last but not least, that Mr. Drozd smile. Requiem In Pacem Coach Drozd.
- Joe Kenny
I met Rich through a mutual friend Pete Adams of a friend Larry Mintz a few years back when Rich was looking to add an additional day (Sunday) to his running routine. This running group would try to solve all the world’s problems on these weekly runs out in the country (in Howard County.). This was a perfect match for Rich. He could exercise his mind as well as his body. If there was a tough hill to run and you wanted a good work out, simply engage Rich in a topic that he was passionate about, take the opposing view, and let the workout begin. After a while he figured it out, but he never turned down the challenge and was always willing to take them on and flip the challenges back on you to stand up to them as well. He was a part of the group for over 15 years, coming to the same place, and running the same routes, but he never seemed to know where he was. That was one of the things I loved about him. Sundays will seem a little empty without Rich. He will be missed!
- Eric Morton
Rich was my friend for 39 years and there was never a sweeter way to pass the time than in the warm glow of his friendship. He was peculiar, by which I mean he was distinctive, particular, unique and special; and yes, sometimes, a little strange. If you sat at a bar with Rich, the world would come to you and what made Rich so special was that he accepted whatever came at face value, though not without argument. Crackpots and strange ideas were encouraged. He was an uncle and inspiration to my three daughters and a beloved member of my family. I love him and I miss him. Fare thee well pal.
- John Good
Mr Drozd was my favorite teacher. He was smart. He was funny. He loved to teach. You could feel that. He cared. A lot. He pushed those that could perform beyond their perceived limitations. He supported those that needed it so that they were unaware of them. His sarcasm was just enough to make something like poetry accessible to kids who were all “too cool for school.” He treated everyone the same. We were all “morons” to Mr. D. Yet I know, then and now, that he loved all of us. And we loved him. He will be missed.
- Alexander Sion
English class was never fun until I became of student of Mr Drozd. And it was never that much fun again.
- Rafael Aguirre-Sacasa
Every time I was with Rich, I knew that he would get excited and that I would be delighted. Rich has been a vessel of joy.
- Bob Coogan
Sophomore year at Prep was marked by many highlights. Sitting in Rich Drozd's English class was certainly a highlight. Here was a teacher who not only knew his content, but also had the capacity to be an active listener. Buried in Latin II and Spanish I and Math for fools, English II was an oasis where Shakespeare's "Julius Caesar" came to life. When Rich presented Mark Anthony's eulogy, we “got it” when “brutish beast” really meant, “Brutus is a beast.” Rich made certain of this fact. Rich could teach a rock. I know because I once was one. Warmest regards and deepest sympathies to all.
- Tim O'Donnell
Mr. Drozd sparked my interest in film literature that continues to this day, coached me (begrudgingly) for two years and was always able to make me laugh. He has been a mentor and a large part of my Prep experience. Prep will never be the same without him and his chalk throwing.
- Andrew Shin
Mr. Drozd, as a teacher, coach and mentor, truly shaped the direction of my life. I used to dread his red pen in AP Literature, cutting pages of extraneous text from my essays, until I realized how much it taught me. As I began teaching classes of my own, I always remembered his lessons. Outside of the classroom, he coached me to championships and built my love of running. Again, as I became a coach, Mr. Drozd was my model. He was a great man, who will be missed.
- Steve Bloom
Remembering all the fun times our class had together, we can all feel a closer bond with him. Everyday I looked forward to having that first period class with him. Mr. Drozd, we will forever miss you. My deepest condolences to his family and may he rest in peace. We love you and will forever remember you.
- Cyrus Davati
For nearly 40 years, Rich has been a part of my life. In the world of sports, the world of words, or the world of ideas, he has been an enduring companion. "Uncle" Rich was a constant figure in the growing up of my children, each of whom joins with me to send him the most loving of memories. My world remains brighter, more informed, more thoughtful, occasionally more volatile, and always more expansive for having known you, Jake. Nothing can sum up such a long-lasting and loving friendship. But what comes the closest is a phrase that I have heard Rich say on a number of occasions: “I'm glad I know you, Boss.” And so am I, Boss.
- Charles Rutherford
Mr. Drozd was simply one of the best teacher's I’ve ever had. I was lucky to have the opportunity to know him, and my life was certainly enriched by having him as a teacher at Prep.
- Michael Avon
Rich Drozd was a great teacher. I am grateful to have known the man. Thanks, Mr. Drozd.
- Luke Smith
As a member of the SHARE Food Network staff, I got to know Rich when he brought the freshmen here to do their service. I enjoyed talking to him about Prep and track and cross-country, but especially appreciated his example to the kids about being faithful to and conscientious about their service. He wouldn't let them go until he was sure they had done everything they could to help us. This is a great loss for the Prep community, and we will miss him at SHARE.
- Chris Byrd
Rich will be greatly missed. He knew the boys at Prep not just as students but as people. He was a vibrant force in developing "Men for Others." I got to know Rich not just as a colleague and friend but as a parent whose son benefited immensely from his coaching, teaching and practical wisdom. His life lessons will be remembered by countless students. "A man's life is not judged by its duration but by its donation."
- Tony Ashur
Coach Drozd was an excellent role model both in the classroom and as a cross-country coach. He inspired me to always do better and gave me an appreciation both of the English language and of running. I will never forget the great impact he has had on my life as long as I live. He will be missed.
- Mike Horsey
I am sorrowed for all those at Prep and the world that will miss out on his humor, love and most of all his impeccably abrasive sarcasm. He was the type of teacher that every Prep out there would want. Forgive me for being unoriginal, but he is that exact type of teacher that breaks you down only to build a stronger, more insightful individual. He turned boys into men, and he did it like clockwork. And…he made it look easy.
- Christiaan Maurer
I was deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Mr. Drozd. While I never had the pleasure of taking his class, my classmates always spoke so highly of him. Prep has lost a wonderful role model and human being. To Ms. Hanes, I offer my deepest condolences and all my love. My prayers are with Mr. Drozd, Ms. Hanes, and everyone Mr. Drozd touched throughout his life.
- Diego Quiros
Mr. Drozd was one of my favorite teachers at Prep and beyond. He was a straight shooter with a tremendous sense of humor and integrity. Now 20 years removed from Freshman English, I recall fondly how the tone he set in his classroom during my first year at Prep made it abundantly clear that I was a long way from my junior high school. He set a high bar and, in return, always engaged us boys as though we were men. I've thought about Mr. Drozd often since graduation, and will never forget him. Needless to say, the news of his passing leaves me with a very heavy heart. My deepest sympathies to Ms. Hanes and the rest of the Prep community.
- Ted Koopersmith
Memories of Rich Drozd evoke superlatives. He was one of the brightest students in the graduate program in English at College Park, and I was most pleased to place him as a TA in two courses I taught – “Sports Culture, USA” and “Film as Literature”; in time he became one of my closest friends. He was one of the most generous people I've known, one of the most enthusiastic in the widest variety of interests, one of the most articulate and forthright in his opinions, one of the quickest of quippers, and by far one of the most impatient of men. But I mean that in a good way, because he was impatient with social injustice, political stupidity, authoritative arrogance, willful ignorance, and academic charlatanism - while staunchly defending and endorsing their opposites. He could, however, be indulgently patient. In 1985 he trained with me, at my own slow old pace, along the paths of Rock Creek Park up to twenty miles, for the Marine Corps Marathon - and that training, more than any race, produced the most endorphin-filled pleasure of my ten years of running. My memory-film of Rich is a highlight reel, including our shared joy at a John Prine concert, his toss of a tennis racket clear over the fence around the court, his utter glee as we partnered to win some big walking-around bucks in an MLB pitchers' pool in 1998--and then did it again in 1998, his famous toss of the full deck of cards across the room after a bad beat at the poker table (suggesting that his classroom may have seen the occasional flying eraser), and I can't fail to mention Alpha, the neurotic toy poodle he unloaded on me. Rich read in drafts most of that I've written in the past twenty years and was an acute, honest, unsparing critic. He didn't always like what he saw, but I always respected his judgment. And he was my best source of recommendations for mystery writers to read. Most of all I'll miss renewing the many shared dinners, anniversary and birthday celebrations with our wives, or gatherings at friends' homes and at familiar or newly discovered restaurants. It was Rich who was the heart of those festive occasions; the rest of us never experienced a lack of lively conversation. A final tribute: to be insulted by Rich Drozd was like a blessing; it meant he was always paying attention to you.
- Neil Isaacs
Mr. Drozd...you were truly an inspiration to all of us. You chose me to speak after Kairos and it was your words to me that set me on a path of public speaking and leadership. Without those few simple words...without you showing you believed in me, I probably wouldn't be where I am today. You showed me that life is too short not to take a chance at greatness. Your classes broke up the monotony of the day without fail. Your wit, bluntness, sarcasm, personable care and intelligence were worth more than gold to all who were blessed enough to come through Prep. Though I am truly saddened by the news, I feel blessed to have known you and will carry your name and memory with me for the rest of my life. Thank you Mr. Drozd.
- Sheldon Gay
Mr. Drozd taught me how to not only be a better writer, but also a better man. He truly embodied the spirit of being a Man for Others. I will never forget him.
- Peter Radzikowski
I encountered a lot of bizarre moments at Prep, but don’t think I can recall a more vivid one than when a great, big hairy ape casually strolled past me on the quad. Only later would I realize that it was Mr. Drozd, and I realized I should’ve known it was him all along. Mr. Drozd integrated a great sense of humor into his classes and I still joke with friends about his rowdy jokes and comments. His Film as Literature course taught me an incredible amount about the production and execution of movies. I have kept all of my critiqued papers, and while not all are legible, his comments pushed me to become a better writer and a harder worker. The teachers that push you the most are the ones you remember, and I am incredibly thankful I was able to know him.
- Tom Albanese
I joined cross-country in my first year at Prep; Mr. Drozd was one of the first faculty members that I had met. Mr Drozd was an encouraging and strict coach, always leading us to the right way.
- Howard Hsu
I got to know Mr. Drozd through his Film as Literature class. Full disclosure - I signed up for this class thinking it'd be an easy A and because I didn't want any extra reading tacked on to my senior year. This was not the case as I ended up working my butt off for that A but thanks to Mr. Drozd, it was really a labor of love. He instilled in me a true love for film and respect for it as an art form when previously I had always viewed it as below writing because "the book is always better than the movie." I immediately took a liking to Mr. Drozd because of his honesty, willingness to assist his students, and of course - his sarcasm. It is very rare to get a teacher as fair and straightforward as Mr. Drozd. He was also one of the few teachers I can honestly consider a friend; talking to him was much more relaxed than with other teachers. One of my favorite memories that characterized Mr. Drozd for me was when we got our final grades for film after the first quarter. I had gotten an A and still had to ask if he included the extra credit in my grade. "If you ask for anymore points, John, I'll kill you." His humor, compassion and the richness of his classes truly set him apart as one of my favorite teachers and people in the Prep community.
- Alphonse "John" Dell'Isola
My junior year at Prep from 1982 to 1983, Mr. Drozd used to give me and my brother a ride from the city out to school everyday. Mr. Drozd had just started teaching the year before, and our discussions ranged over wide swathes of territory - politics, running, driving, etc. I remember all of this well, right down to the beige 5 speed Toyota he drove. My favorite quote was, "Now I am getting driving advice from a Drivers Ed dropout?" It was a unique way by which I came to know Mr. Drozd - different than most students' experience - when he did not have his game face on. My sincerest condolences to Ms. Hanes.
- Walsh McGuire
Passionate, thoughtful, kind, witty, and genuine are just a few words to describe Mr. Drozd. As a teacher, coach, mentor, and a man of Christ, he has helped to shape the young man I have become today and through his actions, deeds, and contagious personality, he has provided for me a model to become the man I so desire to be. What a fine addition he is to our Lord's heavenly kingdom. Mr. Drozd, I love you and I am forever in your debt. You will always have a very special place in my heart.
- John Pepelnjak
Richard Drozd was quite simply the very best at what he did - teach. He taught all of his classes in a way only he could, with his unique voice, colorful language, and odd yet insightful opinions on the world (which still provoke thought in me today). He conveyed lessons with a burning passion that was evident to any who listened. Mr. Drozd took a subject, English, which is typically not the most interesting and made it his own. He made it a class that students not only went to but anticipated because they knew a good time was right behind the door. My experience in Mr. Drozd’s class as both a freshman and a senior are riddled with numerous classic quotes and uncountable, some nearly implausible, memories, but one of my favorites was the time I turned in my first paper. I remember I spent all night typing that paper, thinking it was the best I had ever written only to have it handed back to me the next day with no marks on it but a huge “x” through my whole second page with a barely legible “wordy” scribbled next to it and a 71 beside that. Mr. Drozd was much more than just an amazing teacher, he was a brother, a coach, a husband, a son but most of all, a friend. Over my four years at Prep he was perhaps the greatest friend I made, he was always there for you whether it was just to shoot the breeze, crack a joke, or give you advice (whether you wanted it or not sometimes), or just to say hello. No matter what he just knew how to bring a smile to your face. Perhaps one of the greatest reasons why Mr. Drozd was so loved in everything he did was because he was so grounded and filled with legitimate compassion that you knew that he most defiantly said what he meant and meant what he said. He had this way of engaging you in conversation so that you felt like you were the only thing that mattered in the world to him at that moment. Knowing him was a blessing, privilege and honor that I will never forget. Mr. Drozd was a Man for Others, a Hoya but lastly, he is my hero.
- Blair Meek
Rich Drozd truly lived the life of a Man for Others. I usually started my day at Prep with him when we both were at Daily Mass and then ended it with him at track or cross-country practice. My sophomore and senior years he taught me English. He was a tough grader but in the long run this helped me develop stronger writing skills. Mr. Drozd was always generous with his time either as a coach or while meeting students to discuss their classwork. His use of humor in the class was perhaps one of the most effective teaching methods because everyone was waiting to find out what happened next. As a coach he always encouraged team members to do the best they could. He is an all around great man who will be dearly missed.
- Matt O'Rourke
I remember him shaving to honor a promise he made with a student after a track meet, and the films he showed at the end of my senior English class has shaped the way I watch movies since. Come to think of it, not only has he changed the way I watch movies, but he also laid out the foundation of my workout habits...I'll miss him.
- Harold Yun
Coach Drozd was one of the first members of the Prep Community we met as my son wanted to try cross-country his freshman year. He welcomed Andrew warmly to the team and school and gave him confidence to develop as a runner, teammate, and young man. We deeply appreciate what he taught us in two years about cross-country, dedication, and compassion. We will miss him dearly.
- Tara Gyenis
A unique voice for what was right and wrong stilled much too soon. Rich believed in his take on life, teaching, and coaching but never thought his was the only way. In faculty meetings and gatherings, whether you agreed with him or not, you had to listen. Rich kept us all grounded. I'll miss Rich and his "cut to the chase" style. I will mourn for those not fortunate enough to have experienced this remarkable and dedicated man. God bless you Rich and thank you for my share of you.
- Paul Butler
Mr. Drozd taught the first class I ever had at Prep and due to the rotating schedule I had his class last period on the last day of school Freshman year. Looking back I realized how hard it must have been to teach our class, but he did it. We always looked forward to his class and something amusing happened almost every day. I am a resident student from West Virginia, so I was out of town when I discovered his passing. It struck me very hard to discover that one of my favorite teachers had passed away.
- Jacob Kolodziej
I love Mr. Drozd. His class was never boring with his humor, and he was always there when I needed help. Without him, I would have failed senior English.
- Dickson Hsu