Science teacher brings former students together with eclipse

For one group of people, today was about more than just the eclipse. It was a reunion 25 years in the making. All because of one man.

“It’s because the guy is so charismatic and sincere about what he does,” Sam McConkie, former student, said. “Not only does he just love science, he’s got a great sense of humor about it too.”

Bill Christiansen was a high school science teacher in Salt Lake City for 25 years. Every year on the last day of school, he told his students he would see them again during the eclipse.

The students kept that promise, including the six Thornton siblings from Salt Lake City who all came to see their former teacher.

“A couple months ago when he sends out this Facebook announcement, like it’s happening, we’re doing it,” one of the Thornton siblings said.

Christiansen wanted to gather everyone here because he still believes that, even though he is now retired, he can still teach his former students.

“For some reason I still feel responsible for my students,” Christiansen said. “I thought this was a time where I can maybe reinvigorate their love of science, reinvigorate their wonder and awe and curiosity.”

He not only brought a group of people together for the eclipse, but to celebrate life with a whole afternoon of events from singing and dancing to dressing a bear. All for his former students.

“I feel so lucky to be here,” Christiansen said. “These are terrific students, they’re terrific people.”