DeWayne Bunch: The Chalkboard Champion That Survived the Iraq War, But Not a Lunchroom Brawl

Chalkboard champion DeWayne Bunch was a teacher of mathematics and science at Whitley County High School in Williamsburg, Kentucky, for seventeen years. DeWayne was also a member of the Kentucky National Guard for twenty-three years, and had served as a first sergeant on a tour of duty in Iraq. His valor there earned him a Bronze Star. A multi-talented individual, DeWayne was elected in 2010 to the Kentucky State House of Representatives representing the 82nd District. As a legislator, he served on House committees for education, veterans' affairs, and transportation.

Sadly, DeWayne's story does not have a happy ending. One morning in 2011, a brawl between two students broke out in the school cafeteria. DeWayne was the first of three faculty members who rushed in to quell the fray. Unfortunately, DeWayne took a direct punch meant for another student, was knocked to the floor, and hit his head on the hard surface, described as "like slate." Suffering from severe head and spinal cord injuries, DeWayne was rushed to the nearest hospital. What followed was a year of extensive rehabilitative therapy, during which time DeWayne resigned his position in the Kentucky House of Representatives, and his wife, Regina Bunch, a special education teacher at Whitely County Middle School, was elected to fill his vacated position.

Sadly, DeWayne died as a result of his injuries just over a year later, on July 11, 2012. He was only 49 years old. Our country lost a true hero and chalkboard champion that day.