The Avon Echo

Teacher Aaron Vogl Donated New Pink Cat Chair by Students

by Simone Bender When news that AP US History teacher Aaron Vogl’s desk gaming chair had broken hit the teacher’s fifth period, students were distraught. The chair, which had been a staple of Vogl’s classroom, had to be replaced. So students took matters into their own hands, and led by junior Olivia Gibson, pitched in over $150 collectively…

avonechostaff

December 8, 2023

2 minutes

Aaron Vogl, AHS, AP American History, APUSH, Avon, Avon High, Avon High School, Avon in, avon indiana, Avon Orioles, featured, Olivia Gibson, Simone Bender

by Simone Bender

When news that AP US History teacher Aaron Vogl’s desk gaming chair had broken hit the teacher’s fifth period, students were distraught. The chair, which had been a staple of Vogl’s classroom, had to be replaced.

So students took matters into their own hands, and led by junior Olivia Gibson, pitched in over $150 collectively across the APUSH’s fifth, sixth, and seventh periods to purchase a new gaming chair, this time pink with detachable cat ears.

“Mr. Vogl’s old chair had just broke so as a joke we talked about getting him a funny chair,” said Gibson. “Then, I found this gorgeous chair and suddenly it wasn’t a joke anymore.”

It took the juniors less than 24 hours to raise the money needed to purchase the chair after the decision was made on Monday Dec. 8, and by Friday, the present was delivered to the classroom.

“I…organized all of the fundraising and then bought, assembled, and delivered the chair,” said Gibson. “I think even though the gift is a bit of a gag, it really does express our appreciation and love for Mr. Vogl and I know he feels that.”

Vogl, who originally believed the “Christmas present” was nothing more than a joke, said that he was honored by the kindness the students who contributed showed him and was excited to use the chair going forward.

“It started as a joke, which I thought was funny. It’s part of our class culture,” said Vogl. “But then seeing it actually fulfilled and happening in such an organized effort makes you feel appreciated in a way that just kind of goes beyond a simple thank you note.”

Vogl said that if given the choice, he would not choose any other chair and was so happy that his students picked out such a nice chair for him that came with its own stuffed cat plush.

“The massage feature is quite nice,” said Vogl. “I’m going to enjoy having a personal grading buddy with me.”

But beyond the physical chair and funny elements that came with it, Vogl said that the thought his students put into the event meant more to him than anything else.

“I mean, a group of your students that you devote a lot of time to are coming together and showing their appreciation and consideration for you in class by doing something like this,” said Vogl. “Even if it is a pink cat chair, it’s the best pink cat chair anybody could ever have.”