Meridian loses Klein to retirement

photo by 1981 Maconois Yearbook
Tony Klein’s senior year getting MVP award in football, Klein went on to teach at the high school four years later.
Meridian High School teacher, Tony Klein, is set to retire at the end of the year after 35 years of teaching.
“I started teaching at Meridian in 1985, it was my first ever teaching job and as this year ends I don’t know what I’ll do… I mean it’s only been seven months into the school year,” Klein said.
Klein started in the Macon School District as a student in the fourth-grade. His senior year he was voted for Homecoming King. He graduated from Macon in 1981 and went to Millikin University for college. When he returned to the Macon School District after he graduated from college, he decided to become a coach and later a teacher. Klein has been with Macon Meridian his entire professional career.

Elizabeth Snow, sophomore, said, “We talked a lot about our daily lives and made the class fun. TK is such a laid back teacher, but also makes sure we understand what we’re learning.”
One of the things freshman students are worried about is learning how to drive and passing the written driver’s test. Klein takes students through a step by step process on how to safely drive.
Avril Morrell, freshman, said, “I think his class helped me to realize that driving isn’t supposed to be difficult, especially if you use common sense.”
Learning with Klein can be stressful if you’re not doing your job as a student. Klein tries his best for the students and tries to prepare them for the road ahead in their career as students and graduates.
“What I enjoyed while teaching was the students, waking up and going to school just to see them and teach,” Klein said.
As Klein’s career went on at Meridian High School, he acquired the nickname “TK” which gets used by both staff and students throughout the years and will surely be a name that’s remembered.
“When he’s gone, I’ll mainly miss his presence, his good report about the kids, how he’s always positive about his job as well as him being positive around everyone,” Micah Sheppard said, the athletic physical education teacher and varsity football coach.
The staff and students will miss TK after he leaves.
“After retiring I hope I could be able to sub, but we’ll never know, it depends on the money,” Klein said.
Not to be rude but TK started school going to Macon. Graduated from Macon High School and returned to teach at Macon High School. Meridian started I. 1995 But great article
“Depends on the money” haha! I pictured you saying this!! People won’t understand your humor I’m sure. I love you so, so, much! You go boy 🙂
Your favorite Niece,
Lee
Good luck tony!!
I want to say i am a fellow classmate of TK and he was always so nice to everyone never had a bad word toward anyone. I always thought of him as the quiet one. Wish you the best TK in what ever you endeavor after retiring.
CONGRATULSTIONS! Wish you the best!
Congratulations, Tony! It is wonderful to know that you never left home. You were a student of mine as were your siblings. I loved your family. It was a pleasure working with you! Enjoy your retirement.
Congrats on your upcoming retirement, Tony! I am so glad I grew up hanging out with you and your family. You guys are wonderful.
May retirement be good to you!!
Congrats on retirement We are all going to miss you.
Hope you have fun in retirement, thank you for giving me essential knowledge for driving, and nice article Robert.
Congratulations Mr. Klien, I hope retirement treats you well.
Great article! Congratulations Mr. Klein! You’ve been such a great teacher to all of us! Enjoy watching WWE and football non stop!
You are a great driver’s ed teacher! You will be missed dearly! Thanks for making the class fun.
TK was one of the few Teachers who you could talk to about anything and everything. Even if it was just joking around he was the go to guy lol. TK GOODLUCK in Retirement class of 05 will never forget you!
Congratulations Tony. You were a teacher or coach to me in some way from 1989 to 1994. You were a great teacher and always had a great way to get the students involved. I wish the best to you in retirement, you deserve it.
Congratulations in your upcoming retirement! I have many fond memories of you as a classmate and enjoyed growing up around your wonderful family. I’m sure the kids are going to miss you as you will them. Now go and enjoy whatever your heart desires.
Congratulations Tony hope you enjoy retirement
Congratulations Tony on a very successful career making a difference in the community and shaping the youth and their minds. I am sure you will be missed. I hope you find a new passion and enjoy your retirement!
Best Wishes. Go Ironmen! Class of 83!
Mike Easley
I’m feeling really old. Our paths never crossed.
Congratulations Tony! Wish you the best and hope that you have a bucket list! You are still young, so awesome!
One of the best teachers ever! Always had a smile and teaching for him seemed easierfor him then others…great guy im sure he will be missed!!
Congratulations Tony!
Congratulations on retirement Mr.Klein. You will be missed in this school.