How good is your memory? Do you ever walk into a room and forget why you went in there? Or you are unable to find that important item that you put somewhere special for “safekeeping” that is really safe because you can’t remember where it is? Even though we’ve all been there, it’s still frustrating.
But I bet I know something you remember without
hesitation. Can you recall a teacher who
made a tremendous impact on your life?
I’m sure one teacher, or even more, you had in school just came to mind and
many memories about why they were special to you came flooding back. Here’s the more challenging question: Did you ever tell them how much they meant to
you? Probably not.
I realize students don’t often share with a teacher just how
much they have influenced the student’s life.
Even when they do, it is typically not shared publicly. On May 22,2019, several of our seniors had a
chance to do just that. They honored a
teacher who had made a significant impact on their life at our Senior of the
Month Banquet.
Each month, Windsor and Smithfield high schools nominate a
Senior of the Month. The students are
recognized at a school board meeting and also receive a $500 college scholarship
generously provided by our business and community partners. This year, those partners include: Ameresco, Barton
Ford, Blue
Bird Bus Sales of Virginia, Chartwells, Comfort
Systems of Virginia, DeltaGraphic, Education Foundation for
Isle of Wight Public Schools, ESS/Source4Teachers, Haney Phinyowattanachip PLLC, Honeywell
Building Solutions, HRSD, Konica
Minolta Business Solutions U.S.A., Inc., RRMM
Architects.
The Senior of the Month Banquet provides an
opportunity for each of these 16 students to publicly thank a teacher who has made
a difference in their life. The students
courageously stand before an audience of family members, scholarship sponsors
and school officials and share why they are honoring their chosen
educator. They recall personal stories
filled with poignancy, gratitude, and admiration. Their heartfelt remarks bring about laughter,
a few tears, and a tremendous amount of appreciation for both the teacher and
the student. The teacher receives a
plaque to commemorate the occasion, but the remarks from their student are the
real gift. It is truly an incredibly
special evening for all the guests.
Congratulations to the teachers who were honored by the Seniors of
the Month. I know all of our teachers
have had, or will have, a significant impact on many children throughout their
teaching career. Whether the praise is
public, private, or even unspoken, there is an incredible satisfaction and
validation when a teacher knows they have made a difference in a child’s life.
Thank you to all IWCS teachers for making a difference in some child’s life
each and every day.
