Wigs, Whinnies, and Tim Weltin: Lamar’s spirit week unexpected winner

As the dawn of spirit week at Lamar arose on Monday, September 22, one might think that the students were the ones who dedicated the most effort to their outfits, costumes and makeup. However, US History teacher Tim Weltin’s creative apparel seemed to outshine any willing participant.

Mr. Weltin has been dressing up since his attorney days, but now instead of cheering up mature coworkers in stiff suits, he does it to entertain his teenage students. “The reactions from the students are pretty good,” says Mr. Weltin. “I like being disruptive. School should be fun; it makes people more engaged with their learning. You could run the risk of becoming too invested in education.”

On the first day, “Country vs. Country Club” day, instead of dressing in business casual or western wear, Mr. Weltin took an unconventional approach. Sporting a platinum wig, chest padding and a falsetto voice, Weltin — or better yet, Karen — went around all 12 neighborhoods demanding the manager and the location of a pickleball court. “People like it when I gender-bend a little bit,” says Mr. Weltin. “My whole inspiration was on the fact that I just have a bunch of bleach-blonde wigs.”

While most teachers didn’t get his costume for Tuesday’s “Meme Day”, Weltin’s chronically online students were in shock watching their middle-aged teacher dressed as popular internet meme John Pork. “It was very helpful that I have a 14-year-old son,” said Mr. Weltin. “I remember him telling me about John Pork and Tim Cheese and trying desperately to understand what kind of story that was. I thought that it was perfect because it was absolutely ridiculous.”

Mr. Weltin (middle) taking a phone call as virtual influencer John Pork. (Photo: Anthony Wright)

Unfortunately, due to student behavior from the day prior, spirit week was put on hold for Wednesday. “It was a bummer, but it did save me money because I got to return the costume that I had bought,” expressed Weltin.

Thankfully, principal Rita Graves approved “Throwback Thursday”, but Mr. Weltin did not get the reactions from his students that he hoped he would. “It’s interesting. Y’all are one thousand percent on board with John Pork,” said Weltin. “My friends would have no clue as to what I’m talking about, whereas all my friends would know that I was a nerd from the 50s because we were constantly exposed to that character.”

Friday’s “Go Texan Day” went out with a bang and a whinny. Cowboy Weltin was found galloping in the halls on Friday on his trusted steed: a brown hobby horse. “I get to have fun with people around me,” says Mr. Weltin. “I can just add elements of joy in general.”

Weltin hopes that his passion inspires students to come out of their shells. “If you set aside your fears, it just makes your day a better day,” says Weltin. “It’s fun to assume a different persona, it’s fun to assume a different routine, it’s fun to push yourself outside of your comfort zone. I want to be a role model and show people that dressing up is a good thing. I don’t mind being the outlier.”