Students throughout their high school lives recognized teachers they’ve had in the past and how they have impacted their lives. Students including Alex Ferry, Keira Mayhue and Mason Crownover shared some experiences they faced with teachers and how they have affected them. 

Crownover shared his experience with physics teacher Diedra Dumm.

“I would say Mrs. Dumm has probably impacted me the most,” Crownover said. “Her teaching style and classroom dynamics bring out the best of all of her students. Her willingness to listen and have a conversation with any of her students has had a positive impact on my 11th grade year.”

Ferry also shared a time when he experienced a positive impact with world history teacher John Saboe. 

“One teacher that has affected my life in a major way is Mr. Saboe,” senior Alex Ferry said. “He is one of the biggest impacts of my life because not only is he my coach, he also teaches me how to mature. He taught me economics that I know will help me later on in life with how to manage money.”

Another student shares how he was impacted by his teacher, and how it has helped him this school year.

“I was skipping class, and I was looking at the trains online,” junior Connor Smith said. “I was looking at the different trains coming in, and I wanted to go see them. Mrs. Haynal helped by screenshotting the picture of the engine for me and helped me stay in school instead of going to see the train. She always supports me and lets me know she is there for me, and she talks to me about my interests in trains.” 

Not only did students have experiences with core class teachers, but with music teachers as well. Mayhue explains her experience with being taught by AAJHS chorus teacher Jessica Connell. 

“I would say one of the teachers who most impacted my life was Mrs. Connell,” Mayhue said. “Don’t get me wrong, I have had many teachers that have impacted my life; but she was different. As someone who has grown up in love with music and with lyrics running through their mind all the time, chorus class was my favorite. She made class fun, and she always pushed me to be a better musician. We got to laugh and sing every single day. Not only did she teach us music, but she taught us about life and I will forever be thankful for the time I got to spend as her student.”

Teachers take the time out of their day to teach students life lessons they will later use in life and students have recognized their actions. 

“I don’t think teachers get enough recognition for what they do,” Crownover said. “They wake up every morning just to come into school and teach large groups of kids different topics every day. I know it’s probably not the easiest thing to do, especially with those few students who make teaching difficult. But students do recognize the hard work teachers put into their lessons and the bonds they create along the way. I don’t think we could ever thank them enough for all that they do for us.”