By Meghan Runte
Teacher appreciation week is celebrated at McNick from Monday, May 4 to Friday, May 8. Administration coordinator, Mrs. Jenni Tumser, has planned special treats and activities each day of teacher appreciation week to thank teachers.
On Monday, teachers enjoyed a catered breakfast, Tuesday there was a nacho bar, Wednesday was a catered grill out, Thursday included a trail mix bar, and Friday has gift card giveaways planned.
Tumser said that the week is important for teachers because “our teachers pour time, energy, and emotion into students every single day, often without much recognition. A dedicated week creates space to pause and say, ‘We see you. What you’re doing matters.’”
Tumser added that teacher appreciation week is at the end of the year “so that we have a moment to pause, recognize the work, and celebrate teachers before everyone heads into summer.”
Senior Brianna Lach said that her most impactful teacher is science teacher, Ms. Cat Humphries. Lach said that, “She is a great teacher for both classes of AP Biology and Anatomy & Physiology, helping me understand both subjects but also going above and beyond for us as students.” Lach said Humphries even “got up early to make us all breakfast before the exam, showing how much she truly cares about us.”
Sophomore Nadia McCord said that science teacher, Mrs. Crystel Wells, has had an immense impact on her. “She makes learning chemistry actually easy and fun and is such a kind person inside and out of the classroom.”
Freshman Sam Cox said that he loves scripture with Mr. Dave Wirth because “he is a very kind teacher and he makes me laugh.” Cox plans to make Mr. Wirth a card to show his appreciation for his class.
Freshmen Kaylee Dalton and Jennifer Reiser both said that music director, Mrs. Lauren Loyer, is their favorite teacher. Dalton said Loyer has helped her “by setting an example of how to see the bright even when it is dark.” Dalton added that “she is so kind and caring to every student she meets.” Reiser said that “she teaches in a way that I find fun and that I can understand, and she’s always kind to others and makes time for anyone who needs her. She genuinely cares about her students and always makes sure to check in on us.”
Junior Molly Dornheggen said that English teacher, Mr. Dan Freeman, “has made me enjoy my English class, so much that it is my favorite class. He is special to me because he was also one of my Kairos leaders and my CREW teacher, so I spend a lot of time with him.” Dornheggen added that “he also makes it a fun environment so there has never been a class where we all aren’t sharing laughter.”
Freshman Audrey Richardson said that English teacher Mr. Robert Cornwell is her favorite because he “really tries to make his class happy and help everyone succeed. He knowns how to teach and how to connect with everyone. He’s positively impacted me by giving me the motivation to do what I love the most and giving me tips to better myself in my academics.”
As teacher appreciation week comes to a close, be sure to let your teachers know how much they mean to you. Tumser said she reminds students that “the small things matter, a thank-you note, a kind email, a moment of recognition. Those moments stick with teachers far longer than people think, especially on the hard days.”
Comment below with your favorite teacher and why.
The McNicholas Milestone 