In a Yukon High School classroom glowing with the light of computer monitors, teacher and coach James Swigart is quietly building futures one game, one broadcast and one student at a time.
Swigart, who joined Yukon High School last year, came to education by an unconventional route. Before stepping into the classroom, he taught wind energy at Canadian Valley Technology Center and worked as a safety trainer, but he felt called to do something more directly impactful. “I became a high school educator last year,” he said. “Before that, I taught Wind Energy at CV Tech, and prior to that, I was a safety trainer, but I really wanted to work where I felt like I was making a positive impact.”
That leap of faith was fueled by his family. “My wife and kids inspired me to follow my dreams and never questioned me when I wanted to make the change,” Swigart said. “They were supportive and happy with the decision.”
At Yukon High School, Swigart serves as the Gaming Fundamentals with Streaming and Shoutcasting teacher, a career technology elective that introduces students to the fast-growing world of esports, digital media and live production. He also coaches the school’s esports team, guiding students who compete with controllers and keyboards instead of helmets and pads.
From day one, he said, the Yukon Public Schools community made him feel at home. “I have never felt alone or lost here,” Swigart said. “I’ve always had great support from colleagues who are willing to help with any questions I have. I feel comfortable asking for help, and everyone seems to genuinely care and want me to succeed.”
He wants his classroom to be a place where all kinds of students feel they belong. “I want students to know they don’t have to be gamers to enjoy this class; if they’re interested in graphic design or multimedia production, this could be a good fit,” he said. Parents, he added, should know that gaming is only the beginning. “While gaming is the main draw, we also teach valuable life skills, such as public speaking and technical skills needed for college or the workforce.”
Away from campus, Swigart trades screens for the outdoors. “I am an avid outdoorsman,” he said. “I love being outside hunting or fishing, I also volunteer on the Geary Fire and Rescue team. I have been there about five years now, and that takes a lot of my free time. If I am not out with my family fishing, I am probably out chasing fires somewhere.”
As graduation nears, Swigart is especially proud of his seniors, many of whom helped him through his first year at Yukon. “I started last year with a great group of juniors who honestly made my transition to Yukon really easy,” he said. This year, several of those students are heading to college on esports scholarships — an outcome they once thought was out of reach.
“If I could tell them anything, it would be to keep dreaming big,” Swigart said. “We have six students on E-sports scholarships who never thought that was possible, and now they get to continue their E-sports careers in college. Keep dreaming big, and never lose focus of the end goal. You made it this far when you didn’t see the end; just keep moving forward and follow your dreams.”
