After 17 years at Kennedy, Econ teacher Pat Grady will be retiring.

“We are losing a great one,” history teacher, Brian White said. “He is without a doubt the best AP Econ teacher in Iowa. He is a icon of the school and will be missed.”

“Mr. Grady boosted enrollment in AP Econ and improved many students table tennis skills,” history teacher Joe Benedict said.

Grady began his teacher career at West High school in Iowa City. He taught there for eight years before he became the Vice President of First National Bank.

“I always thought I would go back to teaching because I enjoyed it so much,” Grady said. “I was just looking for the perfect job and econ at Kennedy was the perfect job.”

Grady is known for many things including being a great ping pong player, which he often plays with students during lunch and Smart Time. He also preaches the significance of graduating to seniors all year.

“I believe that students don’t understand how profoundly things will change. For the first time in your life you are in charge,” Grady said.

Phil Ferrante, Business and Technology teacher,  had Grady when he was at Kennedy and he still remembers that lesson. “It’s true, all the rules change.”

Grady will continue to live in Iowa City with his wife, Margo, who works at Left Law Office. Grady wants to bartend in Iowa City to keep busy. He plans on traveling and golfing more during his retirement. Grady will also be found at Hawkeye games and often runs into former students.

“It has been one of the great pleasures of this job,” Grady said. “Some great friends have come from this job.”