By Matt Browning
Dave Shelly, longtime teacher and Scholar’s Bowl sponsor at Wichita East, was chosen for the Via Christi Behind the Scenes profile for May. Shelly makes it a point to get to as many of the Aces’ sporting events as possible.

“I believe it has helped in developing relationships, since it does give a good point of connection for conversations,” Shelly said. “Even when I’m not there, I often ask them how a game or meet went, and they appreciate that someone cares. In many cases family members come to an event, but there are students whose parents can’t make it and they are glad someone is there to see them compete.”

Being able to get to every sporting event is next to impossible, but Shelly understands how important it is for his students to see his face.

“Kids do appreciate seeing people there to support them and take an interest in them outside the classroom,” Shelly said.

There have been countless memories for Shelly over his 33 years as a teacher at East, but there is one that stands out above the rest.

“One sports memory goes back to 1992,” Shelly said. “My dad was in a serious car accident and I was at the hospital almost constantly for the first couple of weeks when not in the classroom or sleeping. He had recovered to the point that by state basketball tournament time he no longer needed such continuous attention and the first event I attended after the accident was the tournament at Henry Levitt Arena, which East won. That stands out to me above any of the other championships because of my personal circumstances at the time.”