As the 2017-18 school year comes to a close, many people find themselves in different places. Incoming freshmen anxiously await their first day of high school, the underclassmen anticipate their upcoming endeavors, and just as the seniors reminisce over their past four years, Mr. Kent Peightal has the chance to do the same over the past 30.
Mr. Peightal is one of the most highly regarded and respected individuals to ever walk the hallways of Cathedral Prep. Countless students, staff members, administrators, and fellow teachers could not praise enough his compassionate nature and uplifting approach he brought to the classroom each and every day.
Mr. Peightal’s impact is hard to put into words by many. “Mr. Peightal is by far the most extraordinary and amazing person I have met yet. Every day in class, he had a different story he would tell us about his life, and somehow, it had
a morally impacting effect on me. He is one of the most knowledgeable and experienced people ever,” said senior Jake Klapthor.
Mr. Peightal is also known for taking amazing pictures at seemingly every Prep event. He unselfishly surrendered his valuable time so often to put a smile on other’ faces. That perfectly eclipses his time spent on West 10th Street. Students and teachers alike greatly enjoyed his presence. “Mr. Peightal has such a wonderful aura about him. Just being around him gives you a good feeling,” said fellow English teacher Mrs. Christine Vomero. “He provides you sound advice when you call upon him. I will miss him tremendously.”
Perhaps the biggest impact he’s made has been on fellow English teacher Ms. Alexa Phelps. “Mr. Peightal is someone I will never forget as long as I live, and his impact on me will last a lifetime,” she said. “He is one of the most pleasant people I have ever met, who truly lives out his life in the light of God. He always has positive things to say and has the patience of a saint. I was in my third year of teaching when I met Mr. Peightal, and my adventure started at Prep, and I am so glad we were neighbor teachers my first year. Never once did he turn me away when I had a question, a problem, a concern, etc., no matter how large or how small, and he was an incredible mentor teacher. He is the type of person I aspire to be, and he is a true gentleman. The students who had Mr. Peightal are truly blessed
to have been touched by his teaching, as he has such a gentle, graceful, and patient teaching style, which is simply unparalleled. He has not just been a treasured colleague, but a true friend and father figure. I wish Mr. Peightal the
absolute best in all of his future endeavors, and I hope he enjoys his retirement to the fullest. He will be sadly missed and always remembered fondly.”
As if he didn’t make enough of a difference in the lives of students, Mr. Peightal was also a tennis coach. Reigning District 10 Singles Champion, Alec  Thomas, had this to say of his experience with Peightal. “He has personally inspired me to be the best I can be in all facets of my life. He was truly a blessing not only in my life, but in the lives of countless Prep students.  
Another of Mr. Peightal’s English Department colleagues, Mr. Matt Hubert, also spoke of Peightal’s impact. “I have had the pleasure of getting to know him as a colleague and friend over the past six-plus years. The amount of time he has dedicated to the Prep community—not only in the classroom but also by taking photos at seemingly every sporting event or theater production—is astounding. CP will miss KP, but the wisdom he has shared with countless students over the years means his legacy will live on long after his retirement.”
Through thick and thin, the one thing that has remained constant throughout the 3+ decades of his career was his faith. “Being able to pray and integrate faith into our daily conversations in class is one of my fondest memories here,” he said. “I just love how at the rallies, when the kids are going absolutely wild, that the second when the
opening prayer starts, you can’t hear a pin drop. It is so powerful to witness.”
For some students, Mr. Peightal’s class was the only thing that got them through the day.
“I want to be remembered for bringing a joyful, kind, and positive attitude,” he said.
Mr. Peightal left no doubt of his legacy, and will live forever in the hearts of his Prep family.