At Herron High School, our teachers do more than just teach…they lead, they listen, and they care. As we celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week, it’s the perfect moment to recognize the incredible impact our educators have on our lives, both inside and outside the classroom.

Every day, Herron teachers go the extra mile. They help us through difficult assignments, take time to answer our questions, and offer encouragement when we need it most. They cheer us on when we succeed and remind us of our potential when we forget it ourselves. From explaining a tough math concept to giving thoughtful feedback on an essay, they are always there to support us.

“Learning what we know in class is very helpful in life. Being in Ms. Gillis’ class and being able to follow along in a chill environment is why I like her.” – Akira Hickenbottom

“Ms. Gillis has given me a place to eat, enjoy, and made a fun learning environment. She made me excited to come to school and get my work done.” – Scarlett Anderson

“Mrs. Gillis is genuinely one of the brightest lights during my darkest time. She’s a safe space, where I can rant and feel comfortable. She’s been an amazing figure in my life.” – Haylee Purrington

But their work doesn’t stop at the bell. Many teachers stay after school to help students, lead clubs, coach teams, organize events, and write recommendation letters. They take time to get to know us…not just as students, but as people.

“I was there the very first day she started working. In the beginning, I was thinking about dropping out, but then she came in like a supernova. She’s really nice and talented, and whenever I need anything, she’s always there to help me.” – Sara Morenogomez

That kind of care makes a difference in ways we may not always recognize right away, but it shapes our experiences in lasting, meaningful ways.

“Mr. Jent is so nice, funny, chill, sweet, and cool.” – Ollie Stepp
“Mr. Jent is a good teacher and also a good person. He’s someone who’s easy to talk to.” – Azor Arciga
“Abraham Cherry: “Mr. Jent is chill and awesome. He’s just a very nice dude.”

Behind the scenes, our teachers put in hours of work planning lessons, grading papers, and finding creative ways to make learning engaging and meaningful. Even when we don’t always say it, we notice. And we appreciate it more than words can express.

“Mrs. Lenz is literally the kindest soul ever. She’s so funny, and I love her.” – Gray Jones
“Mrs. Lenz never made me feel alone. She has continuously helped me throughout the year, and she’s always there for me.” – Alexis Fahey
“Mr. Lewandowski has been there for me since the beginning of the school year, and I really appreciate that.” – Sarayah Zediker-Wisneski

It’s not just about the lessons…they are about the relationships, too. “Mrs. Spiker’s class is really fun, and you can tell she loves and cares about all her students.” – Khania Williams

“Mrs. Anderson is my Algebra 2 Honors teacher. She’s great at teaching math and energetic enough to keep us awake during the most boring parts. Her hypothetical questions keep us engaged.” – Juan Escamilla-Flores

“Even though Mr. Keithley left this semester, I still miss how he kept the class fun and engaging. He understood boundaries and was almost like a friend because he was so easy to talk to.” – Edith Hernandez

For some of us, teachers provide a safe space where we can be ourselves. They make sure we know we’re more than just students—they take the time to ensure we feel safe and valued.

“Ms. Carl is pretty chill.” – Jordan Greene
“Mr. Northcutt is cool and cute.” – Madelyn Williams
“Mrs. Gillis is super chill and cool. I love how she handles different situations, and she treats every student the same.” – Myonna Kaufman

Even in their casual moments, teachers manage to make a lasting impression.

This week is our chance to say thank you. A simple “thank you,” a quick note, or even a kind word in the hallway can mean more than we realize. It’s easy to think those little moments don’t matter—but they do. They remind our teachers that what they do every day truly impacts our lives and helps shape the future of this school and its students.

To all the teachers at Herron—thank you. We see your effort. We feel your support. And we’re better because of it. Herron wouldn’t be the same without you, and we are so grateful for everything you do.