Appreciation nowadays is bleak in today’s world; as most people take advantage of the blessings that surround them. For high school students, those blessings come in the form of teachers who dedicate their time, talents, and much more to better the students who grace their classroom. As a last minute assignment, I asked students in Mrs. Walter’s classroom to write a paragraph reflecting on an educator who has made a difference in their lives. I was quite pleased with the responses and impressed by the excitement some students showed will expressing their appreciation. These appreciations include:
“Mrs. Gambrell always makes students feel seen and genuinely cares about them…” – Elizabeth Alford
“Mrs. Whelan is an amazing teacher [who is] kind and helpful…” – Camilla Lacourt
“[Mr. Pollock] has helped me in so many ways…walk[ing] me through things that don’t make sense…” – Keagan Gregory
“[Mrs. Hartman] helps me learn [to] retain information regardless of what the subject is.” – Damien S.
“[Ms. Shearer] helped me to get out of my shell and helped me grow as a person.” – Bailey Raniero
“Mrs. Walters is a caring and charismatic teacher that values what her students need rather as to just what the curriculum says.” – Camden Courtney
“I appreciate Ms. Mitchell. She teaches great and clears up any questions I have.” – Austin
“The person I appreciate the most out of all my years at Walton-Verona is my bus driver, Mr. Dave…he has been such a huge mentor to me…We always honk at each other passing by…” – Bella Miller
“Overall, [Mrs. Horn] is an impeccable teacher and I really appreciate her.” – Josh Schneider
“Thank you [Mr. Teepen] for always being in the best mood no matter what is happening outside of school life.” – Logan Frohlich
“Due to your help [Mr. Ryan], I feel more prepared for future tests and exams. Thank you for being such an inspiring teacher.” – Joey Baum
“Mrs. Mayes was such a happy teacher, and a patient teacher, that it made everything so much calmer…I wouldn’t be as good a musician as I am today without her.” – Abby Hamilton
“[Mrs. Sampson] gives me real advice, pushes me to do my best, and makes me feel like my goals in law and journalism are actually possible.” – Bry Holleran
“[Through Ms. Core-Stine] I gained so much confidence..and I am so happy that she believed that I could do well because it honestly helped me grow.” – Aislinn Spencer
“Mr. Kneisley helped me with some hard times, and I am forever grateful to have him as my teacher. Thank you for everything!” – Chloe McIntosh
“Everyday you [Mrs. Champ] put time and effort to make sure your student understand…You make us all feel supported..[you are] the one teacher who saved my life.” – Bristol Hollingsworth
“She (Mrs. Goodenough) helps me in ways that can’t be explained by giving advice, being there, and just knowing I can trust her.” – Ava Evans
There were other appreciations specific to all teacher listed above as well.
Said best by Bry Holleran in his appreciation letter, “Having a teacher who genuinely cares and supports her students the way she does is what the world needs to make a difference.” Thank you to every staff member; your dedication is noted and recognized, even if it is not said aloud!
