Say it With a Selfie


By Jamari Saint Cyr

As the curtain closes on the 2017/2018 school year, Apopka High waves goodbye to the current class of Senior Darters. So, as graduation looms around the corner, seniors are taking the time now to thank their teachers, staff members, and friends who have helped them along the way as Apopka High students.

Taylor Eggert 

Mrs.Brown is a wonderful teacher! I’ve known Mrs. Brown since [my] sophomore year when I took debate 1. One of the BEST teachers here at AHS is Mrs. Brown! 🙂 I appreciate this teacher for her kindness and generosity She is caring and a sweet person. I’ll definitely miss Mrs. Brown after I graduate.

 

 

Jada Braxton 

The first [teacher] that inspires me is mommy Gillis, she inspires me a lot. She taught me how to walk way from drama and how to have a great attitude. I learned a lot from her when I had my ups and downs [and] she would always ask me if I were okay or if not she will just sit down and talk to me and try to make me laugh, [exchange] jokes and tell me to keep my head up, stay focus and just be encourage and just stay positive because she have faith in me and she loves me and trusts me. 

 

The second person is mommy Conyers, she inspires me a lot [by] keeping me out of trouble when I put myself into trouble, [or] when I’m down she asks me if I’m okay and if not she’d tell me “just keep strong baby girl because everything is going to be alright don’t worry about what going on that’s bad just worry about the good” [and] every time she sees me she always has a smile on her face and when she is mad I tell her to don’t worry because every little thing is going to be alright don’t worry. 

The third person is Mrs Ramirez she inspires me a lot when I first meet her she already knew my ways and my attitude and how I was going to act with her so the second day I saw her she told me to come in her office so we can talk.so to make a long story short we talk and we talk until she made me cry because it was true everything she said to me it was true. She was telling me I’m just a sweet and lovely person and that I need to stay like that and never change that way who I am because she say I’m going to make it in life because the way I am and the way I treat people. She is so nice and kind to me and I will never treat her wrong because I know she loves me and I also love her. 

 

Jasmine Cardosa

Wilmer Mellon III

A special thanks to Mr. Mellon for being a true gem in this world. My junior year, I could be having the most boring/horrible day yet I knew I could count on him to uplift my spirits leaving a huge smile on my face. I had AP U.S. History 5th period (you know how that goes… don’t get me
wrong though, I love Momague) and it would leave me absolutely drained and wanting to take the longest nap ever. That dreadful feeling would soon be gone as soon as I stepped foot into Mr. Mellon’s room. Whether it was him “yelling” at us (0414) or even wishing us luck on our quiz/test in the best way possible, he had me wishing I could have his class 7 periods in a row. Getting close to Mellon and eating lunch with him every day has to be one of the best decisions I ever made due to the fact that his presence is truly a present. Apopka High School is truly blessed to have a faculty member as special as him; nothing has gone unnoticed when it comes to him. Thank you and Godspeed to you!

 

Tasmia Uddin 

[Mrs. Wesighan] is the reason for my success. She is the single best teacher I’ve had in terms of actually teaching and making sure you properly learn material. She is kind and cares about us. She has high expectations that make me feel like we’re her own. She is a role model for girls who want to be involved, educated, and inspiring.

 

 [Mr. Jadonath] makes me feel like I’m home, even in a freezing classroom when I’d rather be (and sometimes give into) sleeping. His dry sense of humor lightens your stress. His passion for his subject inspires me to love my job just as much. He has an open heart and forgives you easily, always remembering the good in you and making you remember it as well.

 

 

Stessy Clerveau 

“Shouting out the best Pre-Calc teacher there is out there, Mrs. Smith. Her teaching methods are on point and her enchanting smile is to die for!!!”

 

 

 

Here you have the gorgeous Mrs. Van! She’s been my medical magnet teacher for four years straight and everything I know about the human body is because of her. #iloveher

 

 

Gracie Darlington

I have had the privilege of having Mr Peters as a teacher for AP US History, and three years of SGA, and he  has significantly impacted my life and been a key part making my time at Apopka great.  He gives his all to all that he is a part of, and he is always a man of his word. He has enabled me to be the best I can be, and inspired me to be all that I can be. Thank you, Mr Peters, for teaching me every day, in word and in deed, to be sarcastic, to be kind, and to be historic. 

I have had Scahill as a teacher for four years at Apopka High School. It’s been a blast for me, but I’d like to apologize for him, (Four years in a row is a lot). Scahill is one of the those teachers that can’t be duplicated and can’t really be explained. He’s a legend at Apopka and for good reason. He has mastered the art of either making fun of you and making you laugh or listening to all of life’s problems, and making you feel like you were the only one that mattered in that moment. He simply invests all that he is in his students. He makes us want to come to school. He is a bright spot in the day,
because he’s just Scahill, and you leave either amused or inspired. Thank you scahill for teaching me to believe in myself, to be sassy yet sweet, and to stay true to myself. Keep on keeping on! (Please sing at graduation.) 

I’ve had Mr Mellon as a teacher in AP Psychology and as a sponsor in SGA, and he is one of the best teachers that I have ever had. He makes class fun and meaningful. He challenges you to think and to dream and grow and to learn. We need more teachers like Mellon that invest in students and actual succeed in making them believe in their worth and potential. Thank you, Mr Mellon, for believing me, challenging me, and encouraging me. Thank you for showing me how to be kind while not compromising who I am, and how to speak life into people. Don’t grow weary in doing good! Know that you are changing lives! In all your future years of teachers and beyond, I wish you Good Luck and Godspeed. 

Mr Houvouras has impacted both my high school experience and my life. I have had him as a teacher in AP Art Studio and AP Art history, and he is a phenomenal teacher. I have played flag football for him all four years of high school, and he is an exceptional coach (winningest coach in FL flag football history btw). He gives everything he is to everything that he does, and he inspires others along the way. Thank you, houv, for challenging me to be a better version of myself, in knowledge, talent, and in leadership. Thanks for teaching me how to graciously disagree and how to love all people. Keep changing the world! We need more like you! 

 

I had Mrs Brown as a teacher for AP Language and Composition, and hers was one of the classes that I talked about at the dinner table, because it was either interesting or hilarious. Mrs Brown is really good at inspiring and developing independent thought and evoking a desire to know more. She inspired us to be involved in the political process, being invested in the people in our lives, and being aware of the world around us, and how we can make difference. Thank you, Mrs Brown, for pushing me to be the best writer, best student, best leader, and best person that I can be. Thank you for making me think and encouraging me to dream. Don’t grow weary in doing good! I pray that the seed you’ve sown in my life will produce a harvest, and make you proud! 

 

 

 

Jannelys Fontane

Thank you for making MCJROTC fun and drill team enjoyable. You give amazing advice and you make me laugh, especially on days I do not feel well. My senior year would not have been the same without you in it. I will miss the interesting conversations and the interestingly unique way you teach drill team. You showed tough love and had no tolerance for BS which honestly hushed me up. I still find your OCD a little funny, but there is no one like you. I am going to miss you and you blunt advice. Thank you for being there for me.

 

You have such a positive bright light in you. It is so contagious, that I had a goal to find that same light.You made me want to come to school and listen and laugh at your lectures. I cry laughing from your stories. You teach in a way that made me pay attention and then outside of class you treated me as a person. Laughing and making jokes. You made me cry whenever you were upset and made me work harder whenever I saw that you were upset that I was wasting potential. At the beginning of the year last year, you said some people you like and some people you just don’t. I am glad I was one of the people you liked. Your class gave me a whole new perspective and was the most interesting class to be in. You became a friend and I thank you for that. 🙂 Good luck and Godspeed.

 

​I hated your class. I literally failed the whole year! BUT JOKES ON YOU I PASSED THE EXAM WITH A 4!!!!! You have to admit I am one of your favorite students. With your sarcastic jokes and mind full of so much knowledge, I always enjoyed your lectures. Even though I didn’t understand much at first throughout the year, you made me interested in religion and history in general. Your memorization of Star Wars made me laugh every single day we were watching it and you are just a great teacher and person who I enjoyed to be around. Thank you for making me feel smart!(and helping with my fundraisers)!! And thank you for being an amazing individual who cares.

You pulled me out of formation my freshman year and made me incredibly nervous. Little did I know…you would become one of my mentors and friends. We didn’t see eye to eye on everything, but you always had my back. I could come to you for anything and you helped me stay on track. You are the only person I allow to call me Fuzz and one of the first people I will always go to. You have shown me a different perspective and how to use LOGIC (Even though I may not always use logic). You became like a father figure and a best friend to me and I can’t thank you enough. For these past 4 years, you have definitely made MCJROTC memorable. Thank you for not giving up on me.

 

​You are my literal mom. You have showed up to my award ceremonies, taken me to my events, gossiped, and helped me through my problems. It all started from me being in your darter success to now being president of a club you sponsor. The memories and stories that we share and my friendship with you is unbreakable. You became a mom to me and that has been so incredible. I thank you so much. I appreciate you and everything that you have done. Thank you for going to my ROTC award ceremonies or walking me for senior night. Thank you for pushing your things aside when I needed your help. Thank you for being you.

 

 

​I was terrible at AP Chem. I know, I know. But I loved your class and your dedication to teaching it. You made chemistry fun. You showed us cool labs and tried to burn my hair off (JK), but I loved your class. You always had your jokes about me being slow!! You might have been right, but once I had a topic down I didn’t forget it. You made me laugh and because of you I really love chemistry to the point where I am going to major in it. SOOOO YESSS I AM STILL HEREEEE!!!!! Thank you for fostering my interest in science and making me want to take chemistry for 2 years. Thank you for being an awesome teacher.

​You are my college godmother! You made sure I was on track for college and to better myself and you did whatever possible to help me. You helped me with my ups and my many downs, but every time you saw me, even if it was unexpected, you always smiled at me and ended our meetings with a hug. I thank you so much. I don’t know where would I be if I didn’t get to know you like I do. We Taurus’ stick together. Thank you for just being there and believing in me and motivating me. I do not care who says what. YOU ARE THE BEST HARDWORKING GUIDANCE COUNSELOR THERE IS!! And an amazing friend.

 

​You are a special type of hilarious. But… you are also kind and generous and extremely hardworking. I have never seen someone as generous as you. You make sure everyone is taken care of and you have helped me on multiple occasions. I enjoy our hellos and goodbyes and you making jokes on me everyday. I enjoyed APUSH where your lessons would make me laugh and yes I would be the only one laughing, but I did not care because I found your jokes and puns hilarious. You are a one of a kind and I am glad that no matter what you keep your sense of humor. Thank you for accepting me into SGA this year and allowing to have one more year of your craziness. Thank you for being your own person who was motivated in helping your students by working so hard on those presentations and for doing things behind the scenes for the school that make high-school fun. Thank you.

 

Jonitza Muniz

There have been a few difficult decisions to make throughout my high school journey and I couldn’t have pushed through them without the help of someone very important. I am grateful for our college and career specialist, Ms. Metts who has provided me with insight to help me navigate through rough patches, and my decisions after high school. Ms. Metts has invested so much of her time in me and so many other students which I am truly thankful for. I appreciate all of her advice and encouragement, especially this year. The best part about Ms. Metts is that she can brighten anyone’s day just with her laugh. Thank you Ms. Metts!

 

Wilmer Mellon, Thank you for all the crazy stories, tons of laughs, and also your wisdom and guidance. You always find a way to make class much more interesting and enjoyable. Not only are you are great teacher but, you are someone that anyone can feel comfortable talking to. Mr. Mellon, you have such a big heart and there is never a day that I’m in class without laughing. Your positivity and encouragement can brighten anyone’ s day! Thank you!!!

 

Michaela Telcy

From the look of the picture you can tell this lady is plain awesome!! This is Ms.Getter my English teacher of course, to sum it up she is just an amazing person always ready to help.  I’m not a morning person but thank goodness I have her first period because she somehow always put a smile on my face. That’s why I appreciate her so much. 

 

 

Ms.Smith is my pre calculus teacher, she is the sweetest person ever always with a smile on her face. And when she starts teaching it’s with full passion, I never had a good math teacher like Ms.Smith and it’s because of her I love math again. That’s why I appreciate her so much.

 

 

Melynda Slaughter

Mr. Mellon has been an inspiration to me since I first walked into his classroom for AP Psychology last year. He is the type of person that always has a smile on his face and will do anything to make sure you do too. The stories he tells during lectures are enriching and educational, while also giving you a glimpse of how fulfilling a life he has had, and making you want the same for yourself. I will always look up to Mr. Mellon; he is the greatest teacher I’ve ever had and a true blessing to everyone he comes in contact with. 

 

 

 

 

Mr. Peters has been an inspiration to me since I joined Student Government last year. He cares so much about his students and, as he doesn’t have any children, we are like his kids. I haven’t had Mr. Peters as an academic teacher, but as a sponsor and leader of the SGA. He does more for our school than anyone else that I know, he truly gives his all and bleeds blue and white. He is a big part of what makes me love this school so much; it all starts with the people you’re learning from. 

 

 

 

Arianna Ortiz

Ms. Palmer is not only my creative photography teacher but she has also become my counselor. Whenever I have free time in her class I go to her when I need advice on current situations and she is always helpful and there for me. I will truly miss her guidance when I graduate.

 

Ms. Wesighan was my statistics teacher for two years and because of her compassion for teaching, it inspired me to major in statistics when I go to college. It is because of her that I now know which path I’d like to pursue, one of the best teachers I’ve ever had.

 

 

Charlie Ahrens

I appreciate Sandra shafer for all her hard work she puts in for the chorus and musical theatre department. She is a great motivator and always helps her students achieve success.

 

 

I appreciate Daniel Trompeter because of the way he constantly pushes us to write better. I feel like I have learned from his style of teaching which is typically hard in an English class.

 

 

 

Sara Silva

I appreciate Ms. Cooke-Weave for always encouraging me. She’s really helped me achieve my goals in her class. Since the first day in her class she has been so helpful and I just wanna
thank her for that. 

 

 

I appreciate Mr. Chatman’s efforts in trying to teach me math and never giving up on his students. I think he makes us see our true potential and succeeds in connecting math with the real world. Thank you for being honest with us. 

 

 

 

Sarah Mobeen

 I would like to thank senior Ashley Taylor for being a unique and kind-hearted friend. I have known Ashley since the 7th grader, and she’s always committed so much of her time towards things she would strive to achieve. Ashley has helped me in many subjects, including Spanish and Chemistry, and has always encouraged me to never give up even when life can truly get in the way of things. I thank her for inspiring me to stay committed to achieving my goals and being the great help she has been these past five years. I want for us to remain friends and become those physicians we aspire to be!

 

I would like to thank senior Abigail Arias for being such an incredible individual. I have known Abby since my sophomore year of high school, having met through the medical magnet program of which we are both in. Abby has always been of great help whenever I don’t understand certain concepts, and shares endless love and support for her family and friends. She is a persistent student who dedicates much effort towards her academic studies, as well as athletics. She has inspired me to maintain a positive attitude throughout everything I put my mind to and make the most out of my senior year. Thanks again Abby for being amazing! 

 

 

 
 
Julia Lindgren 

Mrs. Brown is one of the nicest teachers. I met her last year through AP Lang and eventually started debate. She is so understanding and caring and I can go to her with anything and she’ll help me in the best way she can. She is so inspirational and does everything she can to make sure that everyone is feeling ok. She always is moving the world around to do everything she can to have everything in order. Mrs. Brown has helped me come out of my shell and be more confident with myself. When I first met Mrs. Brown I was in a really tough spot in my life and she really helped me through it just by listening to me. 

 

My best friend, Breanna Winters, is the one I go to with everything. She is always there for me no matter what I tell her. She has been by my side since the middle of sophomore year when I moved to Apopka. She was my first friend I made. This girl has become my family and she has made me feel more like myself than anyone else. When I am at my lowest points she knows exactly what to do so that I’m feeling better. When any of us are going through hard times we drop everything and make sure we do everything in out power to make each other feel better. Bre is my best friend and I honestly couldn’t be where I am today without her by my side. Thank you Bre. 

 

 

Kayla Tapscott
Mrs. Anderson is one of the best teachers I’ve ever had. She is so kind and is always willing to
help. Whether it’s a problem at home and you just need someone to talk to or a math problem, she goes above and beyond to help you. She is an amazing person inside and out. 

 

 

 

 

Joshua Moody

If there is one thing I am certain of, it is that Mrs. Shafer has made my senior year. Mrs. Shafer has time and time again been such a mentor and motherly figure to look up to. I have seldom met another teacher who is so dedicated and willing to put in immense amounts of time for their students. Staying well beyond her scheduled hours Mrs. Shafer has taken over as the head Choral teacher this year and has been killing it. Shafer has pushed my classmates and I to straight superiors at MPA and has pushed me personally many times. The challenges she has offered me have pushed my musicianship to the next level, I have never been a better sight reader, and more importantly I have never enjoyed sight reading or learning music as much as I have this year.  After pushing me to re audition for Viva Voce and go above and beyond in extra choral activities my year has been filled with music and filled with tons of love from the department and Mrs. Shafer. I cannot thank you enough for all that you do, and continue to do MUCH LOVE MRS. SHAFER

 

 Rhyan Stelljes
I had Mrs. Brown for two years, freshman year for English I and junior year for AP Language. Immediately, I took a liking to Mrs. Brown as she came across as a very motherly figure. Once junior year came, I begged my counselor to let me switch in to her class since I’d been looking forward to AP language with her since freshman year. That year, Mrs. Brown was the best instructor when it came to analyzing difficult passages as well as writing well written essays. Mrs. Brown is one of the most genuine individuals I have ever met and does everything in her power for her students to succeed, and for that, I thank her. 

 

 

 

I had Mr. Blevins for two consecutive years for AP Seminar and AP Research. No one really knew what was going on since our year was the first year of this class that our school had seen. I don’t think the school could’ve picked a better teacher than Mr. Blevins to teach this new, foreign course. Mr. Blevins proved to be one of smartest people I have ever met, as he gave us advice that I know I will use well in to my college years. I attribute many of my academic skills to Mr. Blevins such as public speaking, formal writing, and learning how to explore and dissect all different realms of research.

 

Amber Dalfonso
Coach Mickey 
Thank you for all you do for both JV and Varsity softball! Also thanks for being an awesome outfield coach!

 

Coach Mike Macwithey Thank you Coach Mike for all you do for the softball team and the your students! It is greatly appreciated! 

 

 

 

Zulmarie Cabrera
 Alanna is the definition of a true lifelong friend. She was my first friend when I moved here in 6th
grade and she still is one of my few good friends. We’ve been through so much together and I can’t wait to see what the future has for our friendship!

 

 Ms.Ellington is one of the best teachers I’ve ever had. She has taught me to be creative and unique in my ceramics projects and for these past two years she has been able to deal with my crazy self. I’m definitely going to miss her after I graduate.

 

 

 

 

Gabriela Gonzalez


I am so thankful for these amazing ladies. If someone would’ve told me that these would be my
absolute best friends this year, I simply would NOT have believed them. This group began
because of something that occurred and we needed a little happiness for the moment but little
did we know, the temporary happiness we wanted gave us permanent happiness, I LOVE these
girls so much. I can’t get enough of them and I’ve never had such great friendships as these,
we’re all so different but we all fit each other so well. Our friendship is indescribable so
describing it is very hard for me. Just know that this is MY gang and it does NOT get better than
Emily Weaver, Alyssa James, and Ashton Merbach. “i wuv you bwos” #literallytwins
#moviegang #bro #equalwatio #itslikejello #yummy #thicc

I love my Viva Voce Class, want to know why? Because it’s not just a class where we’re all
different students from different backgrounds who don’t speak to each other and don’t know
much about each other… we understand each other and know things about each other that are
a bit more intimate. The fact that we feel confident enough to trust each other and be open with
things is wonderful. All of you are such loving, kind, caring, genuine people. We make
BEAUTIFUL music together and support each other in anything and everything we do. All 21 of
us are such talented individuals and we’ve grown so much with each other, as people, as
singers and as a family. This has been the best high school experience of all my 4 years and it
is all thanks to EACH of you for being in my life. Thank you Emily W., Alyssa J., Ashton M.,
Shayla J., Charity G., Taylor E., De’ja W., Anaya N., Brianna D., Zachary W., Jelani S., Matthew
Z., Jeffrey L., Joshua M., Michael A., McKay S., Robert S., Charlie A., Kevin O., and Cooper S.
for the funny moments, inside jokes, fun dancing and happy tears. I love all of you so much!!

 

Emily Weaver

These people are my favorite people at this school. This is my Viva Voce family. We’re probably
better known as the people who go around and sing happy birthday. If anyone were to see us
perform, you would be able to tell how deep our connection is. It’s crazy how a group of 21
students can become such a close family. I honestly have no clue what I’m going to do without
them next year. You guys have made my high school experience one to remember. I love you
all so much and I’m so happy to know each one of you talented people. Thanks for all the
memories. You guys are awesome.

 

I have no idea where to start with these girls. Gabi, Alyssa, and Ashton. I have never met a group of girls as awesome and loving as you guys. I feel like I’ve known you all my whole life. Unfortunately, we haven’t had nearly enough time, but I’m so thankful for the time we’ve had. I love you all so much it’s kind of unhealthy. I’m really going to miss you all so much. Thanks for all of the movies, Drop Dead Diva nights, and inside jokes. “ITS LIKE JELLO! LITERALLY TWINS! BWWWWO! EQUAL WATIO! OREO ICE CREAM!” Love you guys. Long live movie gang.

 

 

 

Tayah Herrera 
One of my favorite teachers at Apopka High School is the woman, the myth, the legend herself: Mrs. Erika Houvouras. Her personality is vibrant and magnetic, and she never fails to brighten up the room. Yes, her job is to teach me English Literature, but she also teaches and shows equality, love, respect, and kindness, which are things that will stick with me and many other students for the rest of our lives. Much much much love for Mrs Houvouras 🙂

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Another person at Apopka High who has impacted me is one of my best friends, Brianna Jaimes. This girl is my ride or die, my right hand, my shoulder to cry on, my partner in crime. She’s like a little sister to me and l can’t imagine life without her. High school sucks, but it sucks a little less when you have someone you know will always be there for you. I love you Brianna. 

 

Cody Hart Jackson

Through thick and thin I’ve always had my brother Austin. We laugh, we talk, we fight sometimes, and we’re always friends. Most people don’t like being completely honest about how things are, but you taught me to be able to take the truth and speak the truth. Another important lesson is to never give up even when people say “you aren’t good enough”. Regardless of any challenge you can take it on as long as you do your best. I know my future will be bright because I know you have my back brother.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cortney Miles


Left: Jesteen Bayard Right: Erica Baker

I met these two my sophomore year and right off the bat they were both two people I really enjoyed being around. The photo is blurry, but these two have inspired me to try. Many times I have slacked and also wanted to give up, but they wouldn’t let me. Sadly Kaila Hunter isn’t in the photo as well, but she helped alot too. I’m thankful for my Groovies.

 
Diamond Woods

My cousin is my absolute favorite. I strongly dislike school, but I don’t want to let my younger siblings down. I want them to have someone to look up to and encouraged by. She’s a great student and friend. She’s got a smile that will light up the room and I’m glad I have her by my side!
 

 

 

 

 

 

Micah Phillip 

I met Kim last year in Ms.Brown’s class. We became quick friends thought our love for crime and TV shows. She got me thinking about a career in Psychology, because I researched Forensic Psychology for her. I am now think about a PHD in Developmental Psychology or Industrial Organizational Psychology after I’m 35 or so. She also was my gate back into plays and musicals as well      
 
 
 
 
Jocelyn Matias

Thank you, mija for always being my number one support throughout high school. Freshmen year was crazy and not the best for both of us… but we’ve managed to pull each other back up and now in a few weeks we’ll both be graduating. I know for a fact that having Mrs. Burkot freshmen year wasn’t a coincidence, because I got that one friend who sticks with you no matter what and supports you in everything and tells you the truth even if you don’t wish to hear it. I will always be here for you, just like you’ve been here for me. The past four years have been the best four years and I am glad to have had them shared with you.

 
 
 
 
 
Mariah Moore 
This is my sister Lauri who is in 11th grade. I honestly do not know how I could live life without you! No matter the good or bad we have always had each other’s backs. I wouldn’t trade my sister for a thing.
 
 
 
 
 
 
This is coach. I only met him this year but he helps me through everything. He would do anything for his students no matter what. He helped me look at colleges, apartments, and information about the career I want to go into. Thank you coach for all the support and life lessons. 
 

 

 

Somosa Ramdeen

Jocelyn, three and a half years ago I met you and ever since then you have been the most stubborn and petty person I’ve met, but I’m grateful for everything you’ve done for me. Time and time again you have proved to me that you are someone I can count on and probably my closest friend. We may have wronged each other a lot but despite our flaws, you’ve always been there for me. You and this friendship are the best things to happen to me and it means the world to me.

 

 

 

 

Phoebe Shea Perez

Mr. Anchel was the first AP teacher I had. He facilitated my exposure to world history and world cultures, and because of the amazing experience I had in AP World History I was encouraged to sign up for an arguably unhealthy amount of AP classes the following years. However rigorous, those classes have enriched my high school experience and deepened my understanding of the world. Two years after his class and I still think of APWH as the first domino that set off a series of changes that have collectively contributed to my personal and academic growth. Besides being an unbelievably supportive teacher, he has also greatly contributed to my becoming an open-minded and mindful human. His persistent faith in my intellectual abilities and personal qualities have made a world of a difference in my (personal) history. Thank you for every book suggestion, every political/cultural/economic discussion, every word of advice, every letter of recommendation, every manifestation of support. So gracias Mr. Anchel – I wouldn’t be here today if it weren’t for you.

 

Madame Carder has been my French teacher ever since sophomore year and I’m honored to currently have her as my AP French teacher. Carder has supported me in my language-learning endeavors from the first day I stepped into her classroom – from when I was barely able to greet her in the mornings to now when I can discuss religious freedom in France and the United States without much difficulty. Carder has immensely contributed to expanding my cultural awareness and to developing my political identity – I sincerely don’t think my French, my understanding of my identity, nor my appreciation of the world would be the same today if I hadn’t had her as a teacher. La vie au lycĂ©e est dificile quelquefois: life in high school is difficult sometimes. As a senior I can attest to the truth this phrase holds, but teachers like you lighten the experience.

 

 

Bruce Hicks

Mr. Mac, I have known Mr. Mac since freshman year and he has always been there for me. He has taught me no matter how hard or how long a problem might be I can always find a way to solve it. He taught me how to think critically and to not rely on others. He is the type of man that believes it is better to teach a man to fish rather than just giving him a fish and I am forever grateful for it. He has given me so many opportunities within the engineering world: the Northrop Grumman HIP program, Vex robotics competitions, many unique field trips, and so much more. Wherever we were he was like a father to me, always taking care of me and teaching me life skills. If it wasn’t for Mr. Mac I would feel useless because I would have nothing to do with my life, he has helped me with my passion in engineering and without him I would not know the first thing in the engineering world. In the words of Mr. Mac, I will not goof that joker.

 

 

 

Jesteen Bayard

This is my best friend. We started high school together and for the past 4 years she has been nothing , but the best influencer on my life. We’ve helped eachother cope through all of high school stresses and she’s expanded my horizon to try new activities throughout our highschool years . I will forever thank her and love her for keeping me sane and accepting all my flaws while watching me turn into the best person I can be. 

 

These four girls right here have been by my side for everything . From late night phone calls tutoring me , to many school functions and clubs, to doing sports I never imagined myself doing they’ve all been here . We have kept each other together and loving them is easy. Now that it’s our senior year and highschool is almost over I trust that we will never separate and that we will always be here for each other.