Seneca High School is more than a place of learning—it is a cornerstone of the community, a bridge between generations, and a reflection of the town’s deep history. This legacy, carefully cultivated over time, continues to shape the lives of students and residents alike.

Few embody this connection more than Jeff Maierhofer, whose ties to Seneca run as deep as the roots of the town itself. Like many of our families, his ancestors settled in the area long before the high school’s formation, and this legacy of involvement with the school spans decades. While Jeff has spent years teaching agriculture and mentoring students through FFA, his contributions are just one part of a broader story—one that highlights the school’s role in preserving tradition, fostering opportunity, and connecting the community.

“This school brings people together and gives every student a better opportunity when they leave here,” he reflects. “It doesn’t matter if they’re going into a trade, agriculture, engineering, or something else—Seneca High School gives them the foundation they need.”

This philosophy is deeply woven into the school’s culture, a principle long embraced by educators and administrators. Even before national education reforms mandated inclusivity, Seneca’s teachers and coaches were committed to giving every student the best possible experience, both inside and outside the classroom. The results of this mindset are evident in the school’s expanding academic and extracurricular programs, as well as its growing impact on the wider community.

A recent example of this outreach is the Connecting Communities initiative, a project that visually and interactively ties Seneca’s history to its present. Working with the superintendent’s student advisory committee, history teachers, and local historians—including Jeff—students created a 50-foot mural displaying historical images of the schools and communities that now make up Seneca High School.

Integrated QR codes allow visitors to engage with the town’s history, making it a living and evolving piece of education and pride.

Beyond the school’s walls, the West Campus stands as a testament to Seneca’s dedication to community involvement. Once a central hub of student learning, it now serves as an unofficial community center, hosting everything from volleyball and basketball leagues to birthday parties and civic meetings. While no longer directly serving students in a curricular capacity, the space remains a vital part of the town’s cultural fabric, with ongoing improvements ensuring its continued relevance. Though its future remains flexible, there is a growing sense that it could evolve into something more, perhaps creating new opportunities for community engagement.

Seneca’s ability to honor its past while investing in its future is a defining characteristic of The Seneca Way. It’s a philosophy rooted in connection, in taking care of one another, and in ensuring that each generation has a foundation strong enough to support the next.

“I’ve taught students who have gone on to change the world,” Jeff shares. “And now, I get to see them as adults, working in this town, raising their own families, and giving back to the place that gave them so much.”

Through its commitment to education, history, and community, Seneca continues to prove that its roots are not just a relic of the past but a thriving foundation for the future.