Sean Chalkwater's Former Students Remember Him as 'Everyone's Favorite'

Sean Chalkwater, a well-liked leaving students remembering him as one of their favorite subs.

Chalkwater, a North Olmsted resident, coached at from 2007 to 2010, working with the football team before becoming head junior varsity and assistant varsity coach in lacrosse. He also frequently filled in as a substitute teacher, a welcome surprise to most students.

Here is what Chalkwater's students have to say about him:

Jack St. Marie, a rising freshman at University of Virginia

I will always remember Mr. Chalkwater’s unique ability to relate to kids. He was able to talk to a class without alienating the students in front of him.

Students almost felt he was one of us, someone going through the same issues that we were. That, I feel, is the really reason behind the proverbial “Chalkwater!” shout students would make as they walked into the classroom to find their teacher was out for the day. We all felt we could be ourselves around Mr. Chalkwater, and that is something that cannot be taught.

Zach Gross, a rising freshman at Ohio State University

The students he was a substitute for loved him and he was dedicated to his work... I think I speak for all of my fellow students when I say that Mr. Chalkwater could never be replaced.

Justin Simon, a rising sophomore at Kent State

(He was a) great coach! He made lacrosse fun and enjoyable - he was a great leader."

Patch freelancer Allison Gray, a rising sophomore at University of Maryland

Mr. Chalkwater was everyone's favorite substitute teacher. He was incredibly easy going and always willing to chat with his students about anything.

In my Latin class we even made his name into a Latin noun, meaning "chalk water." He was very mellow and got along with everyone, students and teachers alike. Several students' facebook statuses were dedicated to him when they heard the news, and that in itself is indication that he was good at his job and students respected him.