MOUNT VERNON — In a reception held Wednesday evening at the Knox County Educational Service Center, outstanding students from each of the Knox County schools honored those teachers who have been an inspiration to them.
In her opening remarks, Bonny Buffington, KCESC consultant, challenged students to have a vision for who they are and who they want to be. She told them that vision also means how one sees others. In facing life, Buffington said, “the attitude is yours. It’s your choice.”
Acknowledging that sometimes rewards in education are few and far between, Buffington told the teachers, “We are proud to have you here today. There’s nothing like having a career where you can change the lives of young people. And you are all here because you have made a difference in the lives of these students.”
As Nancy Holtrey, president of the KCESC Governing Board, prepared to recognize the students for academic excellence, she reminded them that their parents were their first teachers, and asked them to remember that and to thank their parents, just as they honored and thanked the teachers in attendance. Richard McLarnan, KCESC vice president, and Judy Klavins, KCESC board member, presented academic excellence certificates to each student.
The students then gave an “Excellence in Education” plaque to their favorite teacher, and explained, sometimes emotionally, why that teacher was selected.
Centerburg High School’s Lauren Wood named math instructor Melody Richmond. She said Richmond “teaches in a way we understand and is never afraid to challenge us.”
Carol Newbold, now dean of students for Danville Schools, was Kaitlin Durbin’s fourth-grade teacher. Durbin, who was very shy at that age, said Newbold taught by example, and taught the students things that are not found in a textbook — things like self-confidence and that “It’s not only OK to be myself, but it’s important for me to be myself.”
“In her class, I was allowed to have an opinion and allowed to voice that opinion,” said Durbin.
Kelsey Durbin, DHS, said she chose science teacher Brian Ackert for many reasons, including his sense of humor. She said the students benefited greatly from his approach to teaching, his use of problem-solving and hands-on activities. What she learned in Ackert’s class, Durbin said, made her transition to post-secondary classes much easier.
East Knox student Chelsea Clark honored JoAnn Buckingham, her fifth- and sixth-grade science teacher.
“Mrs. Buckingham shares my passion for science,” said Clark. “She pushed me to question, to search things out. She is a good role model and always stays true to her core values.”
Chelsey Lupher, EKHS, praised her swim coach, and aunt, Cathy Smith for the positive influence she has had on the students and her family.
“She always gave me the extra push I needed to overcame obstacles I thought I couldn’t,” Lupher said. “She taught me never to take life for granted.”
Fredericktown High School’s Adaleigh Pritchard said she belatedly realized how useful the lessons were that she learned from social studies teacher Ken Conaway. It was a year after she had him in KAP history, Pritchard said, that she recognized the value of his encouragement to work hard and to think things through.
“His class was the first time I had to work really hard,” she said. “He helped me develop skills I will use the rest of my life.”
Mount Vernon’s Austin Kasserman and Daniel Kasper both nominated math instructor Susan Cunningham. Kasserman talked about how Cunningham served as a guide as well as a teacher, and said, “She helped me realize my affinity for math. She taught us it was fun to think through a problem and come to an answer.”
Kasper was unable to attend the award ceremony.
Knox County Career Center student Jonathan Lear said his Algebra II teacher, Dan Matheney, taught him he could actually like math.
“I will always remember how he was always there to help me,” Lear said. “And, he showed me how to solve the Rubik’s Cube.”
Emily Ruggles, KCCC, gave accolades to Bob Geiger, her track coach and history teacher. She said she learned about leadership, teamwork and “sportswomanship” from Geiger in track, and said his energy and passion carried over into the classroom.
Andy Toms, in abstentia, honored FHS language arts teacher Carolyn Grimm. His mother, Kathy Toms, read his prepared comments.
“Thanks to her, my writing has improved,” wrote Toms. “She taught me how to write a good paper and my reading skills have improved. In journalism class she would set deadlines and make us meet them. ... I want to thank her for pushing me so hard.”
Centerburg High School’s Jonathan Pozderac nominated Spanish teacher Wil Gentry. Superintendent Dorothy Holden presented the award to Gentry on behalf of Pozderac.
“Mr. Gentry is always encouraging students to think outside the box, and to push themselves to do their best,” said Pozderac when nominating Gentry. “He shows compassion and encourages cooperative learning in his classes. He is one of the best teachers I ever hired.”
