The McNicholas Milestone

Teachers at McNick put in a lot of hard work and dedication to ensure their students’ success. They spend hours in and out of the classroom planning lessons, grading papers, and much more, and some students at McNick wanted to show them their gratitude in honor of Teacher Appreciation Week beginning May 7. Before this week, students were asked to write notes to a teacher that has most impacted them during their time at McNick and some of them are included. Please note that all writers gave permission for publication.

Senior Haley Adkins thanked social studies teacher Pat Stricker for being an amazing teacher to her in her note. “Mr. Stricker, thank you for putting up with me all year and for being such an amazing teacher. Even though you put plastic bags in the recycling bin, you’re still an okay guy,” she said. “Thank you for preparing me and all of my classmates for next year, and I will be sure to come back and visit. Remember that I’m still waiting for that extra credit.”

Senior Kiley Bryne wanted to thank theology teacher Sam Roflow for all his efforts. She said, “Thank you, Mr. Roflow, for always going out of your way to make sure I am having a good day! You’re always making sure you include everyone and make them feel welcome in the classroom. Thank you for not just being a teacher but a role model!”

Expressing her gratitude to math teacher Bill Losekamp, who is her advisory teacher, freshman Aimee Gauger said in a note, “Thank you so much for being a great homeroom teacher and a great person to talk to.” Senior Julia Lind also wanted to acknowledge Losekamp, her honors pre-calculus teacher this year. “Thank you so much for being a friendly face in the hall and in the classroom,” she said. “I can see the comfort you give your students. I wish I knew you before senior year. Even though I am not the best student in 8^th bell, we still have some fun laughs.”

Senior Sam Veeneman sent a heartfelt message to his English teacher, Angie Noble. “Mrs. Noble, thank you so much for teaching me so many important lessons in English and Literature but also important lessons in life. I have always thought of your class as more than just a subject that we have to go to in the morning, but rather a class filled with real people where we have real conversations about life and the world around us. I have always been impressed by your polished professionalism and intelligence about life, and I am proud to say that I have grown both as a student and as a human being in your class. I know there are frustrating days at school where things mount on your shoulders day after day with no end in sight, but let me tell you that it’s worth it because you have helped every student you have by coming into school and giving them the help they require to get better as a student. Thank you for all that you’ve done for me and the McNick community, all your hard work pays off by changing kids’ lives and I hope that you continue to change lives because you are a special human being who cares about others a tremendous amount. Don’t lose that quality, it will serve you well in your pursuit of happiness.”

Junior Miranda Taylor wanted science teacher Regina Goines to know how much she truly means to her in a note. “Mrs. Goines! Thank you so much for helping me through everything,” she said. “AP Bio has been an amazing experience and you have made it fun and worth it. Thank you for all you’ve done.”

AP Photography teacher Rebecca Carmel was thanked by senior Taylor Osborne. She said, “Mrs. Carmel, thank you for always being the type of teacher who I can turn to. I have never felt like I could talk to my teachers the way that I can talk to you. Thank you for teaching me so much and for everything that you have done for me this year! I am going to miss you so much next year.” Taylor said she had Carmel as her photo teacher for two years now, and felt that she has “found a true friend” in Carmel.

Senior Janie Ferris recognized SAIL teacher Valerie Combs as someone that has impacted her life for the better.  She thanked Combs for helping her through the past four years of her time at McNick, saying, “You always push your students to do their best and never let their struggles bring them down (including their grades). Thank you for creating an environment where I feel comfortable and motivated and for always being a person I can count on for a good laugh and advice. I will miss you so much next year!”

“Teachers at McNick truly love McNick and its students. It shows a lot and they deserve recognition,” junior Ashton Johnson said.