Editorial: Olympian appreciates teachers

The week of May 5 to May 9 was Teachers Appreciation Week, an opportunity to show our gratitude and admiration for CVHS teachers, which was taken up wholeheartedly by CVHS journalism students.The week of May 5 to May 9 was Teachers Appreciation Week, an opportunity to show our gratitude and admiration for CVHS teachers, which was taken up wholeheartedly by CVHS journalism students.

Our welcoming CVHS teachers play a large role in setting the stage for an inclusive and encouraging learning environment.
“The teacher I’ve undoubtedly strived and looked forward to thriving with is Ms. (Anne) Parris in honors English. Anne Parris has a unique way of encouraging everyone, no matter their bias or background, to share their cultural and personal experiences within their work, making class something to look forward to, not a drag!” recalled an Olympian staff writer.
Similarly, another Olympian member acknowledged German teacher Barbara Andersen “because she was always accepting of everyone in her class while remaining honest with everyone regardless of age or skill level.”

Within the classroom, students appreciate teachers such as Juan Escalante for “how kind and dedicated he is. He makes the material easy to understand with the way he lectures. He is funny and very passionate about the subject.”
Another staff writer shared the same appreciation, saying “a big thank you to Juan Escalante for pushing me this year to be able to achieve success in my APUSH class. I appreciate the passion for teaching he has and his ability to allocate time to each of his students for academic support.”
Likewise, Sue Anderson promotes a similar sense of growth within her students. “This year in Med Careers, she has pushed me to be a better person and given me many opportunities to enhance my future. She cares about her students in a way that is rare in a teacher, and I appreciate her for making high school fulfilling,” said an Olympian staff writer. 

Yet, beyond just being strong mentors, students appreciate the impact CVHS staff members make on our lives outside of the classroom.
Sophie Lau from the Wellness Center, for example, “has been a pillar for me during my roughest patches, and I’ve never gotten to express how grateful I am to her for that.”
One staff writer mentioned Jill Tavis in the Wellness Center as “a huge inspiration for me. She may not fully know what a positive impact she has had in my life, but anyone who meets me will because I couldn’t have made it to where I am now without her.”
Another staff writer appreciated choir teacher Laryssa Sadoway, who “listened to me with no judgment. She let me into her office and as I told her about my problems she gave me great advice and helped me get through it all. During the next few weeks, she made sure I was okay and made me feel like I was myself again. Thank you Laryssa Sadoway.”

 Beyond just this week, we should ensure that we continue to show appreciation for all the teachers who make our campus feel like home.