January 20, 2026 at 11:35 a.m.
A Huge Thanks
By Submitted
Editor's Note: Following is the introduction of Mr. Grimes read during the Coaches vs Cancer game held at Hauser High School on Saturday, January 10. Republished here as a note of gratitude offered by Grimes.
Mr. Todd Grimes is incredibly thankful and feels overwhelmingly honored to be recognized here at Hauser this afternoon.
Todd considers himself very fortunate to have had the opportunity to have taught here at Hauser for nearly the first half of his joyous 34 year teaching career. The relationships he was able to build with his colleagues, community members and - especially - the students are something he has continued to cherish. It’s always a thrill for Todd to see former Hauser and town of Hope connections out in the community for the opportunity to rehash old stories and bring back so many fond memories.
In May 2022, Mr. Grimes was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. In spite of originally being told he had 6-12 months to live, he’s still here after numerous surgeries and procedures and multiple rounds of chemotherapy to go along with a lengthy clinical trial in Nashville, Tennessee. Having recently started back on chemo, Todd is hopeful to qualify for another clinical trial in the near future as the world of cancer research advances leaps and bounds on a regular basis.
Todd has made it his New Year’s resolution to do everything in his power to reach pancreatic cancer’s 13% club. That is the 5-year survival rate for those with pancreatic cancer - regardless of the stage at original diagnosis.
Mr. Grimes would like to emphasize - again - that he considers himself blessed to have chosen a profession in teaching he so dearly loves and could not be more deeply appreciative of his years here at Hauser where he started his career. Of the honors he has been fortunate enough to receive throughout the course of his career, being asked to come back here this afternoon ranks right up there at the top.
As his former student - Georgeanne - wrote when she asked Mr. Grimes to be recognized here today - “Once a Jet, always a Jet.” How true. Go Jets!
