Jimmy Schantz

High School English Teacher

Jimmy Schantz is one of our high school English teachers here at HCS. Jimmy graduated with a bachelor’s degree in English Creative Writing from Taylor University and then took a few years sabbatical to research and write.

Jimmy surprised himself with his decision to study English in college but found a calling in creative writing. “With my degree, I began to look for a story to write and found one with the 1987 Pine Ridge Thorpes’ boys high school basketball team.” Through his research, Jimmy learned the powerful story of this group of young men who went 26-0 in their regular season and went on to win the South Dakota State A Boys Basketball Tournament. “I was able to meet many incredible people along the way.”

In his classroom, Mr. Schantz wants students to be both knowledgeable and thoughtful writers – a concept he refers to as “deep thinking.” He says, “It’s one thing to know the theory behind good writing and another to know the hard and time-consuming work that is deep thinking.” He hopes that students learn and practice the concept of deep thinking so that they can gain an appreciation for the process as they continue their writing and academic journeys.

Jimmy is especially inspired by British politician, philanthropist, and abolitionist, William Wilberforce. While Wilberforce was working to abolish the slave trade in England, he ran into constant roadblocks, both personally and politically. “I think, in a lot of ways, Wilberforce exemplifies how God not only appears strong in our weakness but at the same time uses our talents to serve Him. And his passion, faith, and patience is something to strive for.”

In his free time, Mr. Schantz loves following sports (he’s a proud Iowa Hawkeyes fan), spending time outdoors, and road-tripping around the U.S.