Lori Barbee
Arrowhead High School
700 North Ave
Hartland WI 53029
Arrowhead High School (AHS) has a strong tradition of student academic success. Established as a Union High School District in 1956, Arrowhead serves approximately 2,300 students in grades 9-12 with a staff of approximately 230 teachers, support staff and administration. The school is located on 157 acres in the Town of Merton, in close proximity to Hartland, Wisconsin.
Sunday, April 28, 2013
Forensics Year End Wrap-Up
arrowhead high school
forensics team year end wrap-up
 |
| Arrowhead High School forensics team |
This past weekend they competed in the WFCA State Tournament and had many great successes. The team placed 7th in Division 1. The team had 8 entries advance to the Semifinals and 3 of those made it to the Final round.
Please assist us in congratulating all of the students on the forensics team and their advisor Mr. Steve Schmid for their great performances this season.
Please assist us in congratulating all of the students on the forensics team and their advisor Mr. Steve Schmid for their great performances this season.
Arrowhead Forensics Team
Elise Baumgartner
Zach Bednarke State Semifinalist Poetry
Sonja Bergum
Ian Cogswell
Olivia Dellomodarme
Rachel Feder State Finalist Duo Interpretation 6th Place
Cassy Gregoire
Kaitlyn Hogen State Semifinalist Farrago
Shannon Johnson State Finalist Oral Interpretation on Literature 6th Place
Zach Knutson
Iris Marett
Micaela Nordeen
Kalady Osowski State Semifinalist Special Occasion Speaking
Phong Pham
Kaileigh Pieroth State Finalist Duo Interpretation 6th Place
Bill Pindell State Semifinalist Play Acting
Matt Pindell State Semifinalist Play Acting
Braden Pusch
Alec Raebel
Diya Ramanathan State Semifinalist Demonstration Speaking
Elizabeth Reinowski
Mia Rocco
Heather Roehr
Keaton Schmitz State Finalist Demonstration Speaking 6th Place
Lara Schueth
Morgan Smeaton
Amy Teske
Anna Wolfs
Jessica Yost NCFL National Tournament Qualifier Oratory (She will be competing
in Philadelphia Memorial Day Weekend)
This is an amazing group of students and thank you to those of you that supported them along the way. A special thanks goes out to those that helped them practice in preparation for the state meet.
Tuesday, April 23, 2013
Arrowhead High School State Test Results
Results for all schools in the State of Wisconsin can be found by going to the following link: https://apps2.dpi.wi.gov/sdpr/spr.action. Arrowhead Union High School results can also be accessed at: https://apps2.dpi.wi.gov/sdpr/district-report.action.
DPI Press Release State Test Results
Results for all schools in the State of Wisconsin can be found by going to the following link: https://apps2.dpi.wi.gov/sdpr/spr.action. Arrowhead Union High School results can also be accessed at: https://apps2.dpi.wi.gov/sdpr/district-report.action.
Sunday, April 21, 2013
Arrowhead Changes Logo
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| Bri Meyer AHS Senior |
Arrowhead Changes Its Logo
Arrowhead High
School has been a symbol of sports and education for the Hartland community for
over 60 years. Now, the AHS team has changed their logo to unify the school and
keep tradition alive. At the start of the 2011-12 year, AHS switched its school-wide
logo to the red, white, and blue “block A” to connect the school and sports
programs so well known at AHS.
“In the past there
were four or five different As, from block to italic,” says AHS activities
director Kevin Flegner. “We wanted to have one logo or image that gives
Arrowhead an image or identity.”
The logo change has been underway for the past two
years. According to Flegner, the school wanted to change the logo both to take
advantage of licensing opportunities and to create a single logo for the entire
high school.
The block A logo change officially went into
effect in 2012 and now represents every aspect of AHS, including sports teams,
education, and the booster club.
“Before last year,
every [sport] did their own thing,” says AHS varsity softball coach Emily
Martin. “For example, the softball program used a cursive A and the hockey
program used an A that incorporated the actual Indian arrowhead.”
In reality, the
Arrowhead logo did not change—it was just unified under one common design. The
logo with the arrowhead, also known as the “lantern logo,” will still be
incorporated into the school’s educational programs (like achievement
certificates for GPA), but the block A will be present on all certificates, letterheads,
emails, and sports jerseys from now on. As Flegner says, “each team was
required to incorporate the block A somehow into their individual logos, but we
allowed them to keep their old designs.”
Corresponding with
the logo change was the new “One Team” slogan for the AHS Athletic Department.
Although not officially associated, the new logo and the new slogan were
premiered together during the 2012 state football game, when the two covered
Hartland on placards.
“The One Team idea
is that we have a lot of games, performances, and clubs at Arrowhead, but we
are One Team,” says varsity football head coach Greg Malling of the new look. “The
block A is a perfect representation of Arrowhead. It's strong, simple, clean. I
can't imagine a better look.”
Even though the logo
changed two years ago, the block A design is not a new one—in fact, the design
is almost 10 years old. When the turf went into Pfeifer Memorial Field in 2004,
the block A went in the center. Other than that, the logo has been in the AHS
arsenal, but rarely used outside the football program, partly because of a
trademark issue with the then-logo of University of Arizona.
“We had a problem
with University of Arizona because, at that time, they were using a very
similar A design for their school,” says Flegner. “Luckily, since then they
have changed it, and now we can use it.”
For the first time in years, AHS has a uniform logo for
all sports teams as well as education. The school hopes in a few years,
according to Flegner, the block A will be a common representation of Arrowhead.
“It really is like a
college logo,” he says. “It stands out.”
Coach Martin agrees:
“Give it a few years, and if you're wearing the block A, people will know it's
Arrowhead.”
Saturday, April 20, 2013
Arrowhead Teachers of the Year
arrowhead high school
teachers of the year
Congratulations to the Arrowhead High School 2013 TEACHERS OF THE YEAR!!!!
 |
| South Campus Teacher of the Year Mrs. Terry Carnell |
“Terri is invested in every
student's achievement--in every content area. And Terri is invested in helping
our school remain an exemplar. This year, Terri has taken the lead in our
school's reading initiative. Terri created handouts and suggestions for implementing
good reading strategies into each discipline. Terri compiled and shared these
documents via Google Drive. In addition, she asked Doug Buehl to come in and
speak with our staff. To continue to
help our students and staff, Terri holds monthly Professional Collaboration Team sessions on reading. In addition, Terri is always reading books
about teaching reading, recommending them to staff members, and not only
implementing new ideas into her classroom, but also encouraging other teachers
to implement these strategies as well.”
The following are a few of the comments shared by staff about Terri:
“Not only was Terri integral to Arrowhead's RtI implementation, but
she is also vital to the students she helps. To set up RtI, Terri created the
forms, identifications and interventions. Terri has spent hours working to help
AHS implement RtI.”
“Terri cared so much about her
students, and they knew that ... and they didn't want to lose her attention,
care or empathy. So what Terri did next was so telling of her character,
dedication and personality: Terri gave up her prep time second semester to
continue to mentor those students.”
“Terri is the most patient, kind,
empathetic, understanding and compassionate teacher. I am impressed with the
number of quality, engaging and relevant activities she is able to accomplish
in 40-minutes.”
“In her classroom, Terri listens
and responds to her students. She calmly guides them through the learning
process, yet she is also expressive and enthusiastic, capturing students
through verbal and nonverbal communication.”
“She has created opportunities for
self-directed learning, fostering a love of writing.”
“…she creates a non-threatening
learning environment; she is well organized; she possesses in-depth knowledge;
she has broad interests; she thinks creatively; she possesses excellent
communication skills; and she understands and meets the needs of her students.”
“Terri continues to be a pioneer in
our online and hybrid courses. Terri teaches online Advanced Composition
classes each summer, she also teaches hybrid advanced composition courses
during the school year.”
“She is always growing
professionally and sharing what she's learned with the AHS
staff.”
A student said, “I loved writing
and English, but there were about 35 students in the class and only five of
them were girls, including me. The rest were loud, obnoxious boys. But a few
days into the class, I was delightfully proven wrong. Even though Mrs. Carnell
was quiet and never reprimanded kids, she had a commanding presence. And when
she talked, everyone was interested in what she was saying.”
The student went on to say, “If a
student ever needed help with an assignment, whether it was from her class or
not, or wanted to go over an essay with her, Mrs. Carnell would stay after
school for as long as they needed.”
Another student stated, “Mrs.
Carnell is more than just a teacher. She has the ability to make a connection
with the kids most other teachers have dropped, or given up on. She has the
ability to spark a fire in students, whose fire was thought to have gone out a
long time ago. She works hard so they can get good grades in not only her
class, but also in every other class they have.”
 |
| North Campus Teacher of the Year Mrs. Leah Cull |
“Leah has
been instrumental in the development of Rtl at Arrowhead. During the last three
years, she was a leader of interventions, piloting her own Project Best
Intervention last year with a group of struggling students who were not passing
any of their classes. Leah volunteered
her only prep period to make this work because she was already scheduled with
classes and her duty in the Learning Center. Seeing the data, Leah was on a
mission to change the course that the struggling students were on. She was frequently
in contact with her colleagues to determine how she could best assist her
students with their missing work, and she is still in contact with those
students today. The kids looked forward to coming into her class, celebrating
their successes, and connecting with Leah. Her compassionate nature resonates
with these students who feel that most people have given up on them; she
refuses.” The
following are a few of the comments shared by staff about Leah:
“Last year, Leah took her interest
in assisting at-risk students to the next level by completing her Alternative
Education licensure. As a result, she initiated changes in the Alternative
Education program, striving to help even the most challenging students graduate
with a regular diploma because that is important to them. Leah sees kids as
kids, treating everyone with respect and opportunity.”
“…she is currently trying to
implement the GEDO option for those students who can't succeed in any of
Arrowhead's current programs. Last semester, one particular student facing
numerous obstacles graduated with Leah's dedicated assistance.”
“If anyone needs ideas for working
with difficult students, Leah is the go-to person. She has attended a variety
of conferences and workshops and is always reading professional literature,
looking for new ideas and effective strategies.”
“Leah also models integrity,
innovation, and intensity.”
“Leah's compassion is captivating.”
“No matter what the class, Leah
motivates her kids by showing she cares. Her respect for students fosters
mutual respect for her; therefore, even the most apathetic students take
notice. She has a great sense of humor which stimulates a conducive environment
for learning.”
“Beyond the doors of her classroom,
Leah was integral in the creation of the Farm Class. While the students did as
much as possible, this required significant time and effort from Leah and her
family to prepare the land, plant the crops, weed, water, water, water, and
take care of the field after the harvest. Selling the produce raised was
orchestrated by her leadership.”
“She spends hours helping kids find
the right jobs, fill out lengthy applications, prepare for interviews, and
maintain employment skills. On many occasions, Leah has gone to businesses in
the area to inquire about opportunities for her students to gain work
experience and to vouch for their character.”
“…probably the most amazing way
Leah works with the community is through her Developing Relationships class.
She motivates the students to devise their own Spotlight Project where they
come up with original ideas to better those around them. Over the past years,
students have regularly walked dogs for residents of a retirement home,
collected clothes and toiletries for the Hebron House, designed and sold wristbands
in honor of Christopher with the money raised going to support the Make a Wish
Foundation, and constructed Build-a-Bear animals for patients at Children's
Hospital. Of all Leah's attributes, I admire this about her the most. She has
dedicated her life to serving others, and this assignment is a testimony to
that.”
One young man (an Arrowhead
student) said, "She always knew what I needed to do, and she didn't get
mad at me for not having it done, she just helped me."
At a parent meeting last May, one
mom was in tears, hugging Leah because she was so happy that her daughter had
made such progress under Leah's guidance. The student and her mom both stay in
contact with Leah today…
Please join us in congratulating Terri
and Leah, as well as all of this year’s nominees for Teacher of the Year. Arrowhead has many remarkable and
extraordinary staff members. Your hard
work, dedication, caring and commitment has served to provide our students with
many exceptional learning experiences. Our
Arrowhead Teachers of the Year will be recognized at the Honors Recognition
Monday, April 22, 2013 in the North Campus commons area starting at 6:00 pm.
AHS Celebrates Earth Day
Celebrate Earth Day with us!
Arrowhead’s Integrated Learning Academy
is hosting an Earth Day event on
Monday, April 22
Time: 12:00 - 2:00
Location: Arrowhead High School (see below for directions)
What: Games and activities promoting ways to help save and protect the Earth
Who: Local 3rd Grade Students
Outside location: Baseball practice field between North and South Campus. Bus parking available on the South end of the soccer stadium.
Inside location (Rain only): South Campus All-Purpose Room. Bus parking is available in the East student parking lot.
Arrowhead’s Campus will be divided into 5 regions of the world that are in need of your assistance. Please join us on the not so green lawn area between the two baseball fields located on Campus Drive. (See the Earth Day Event Map)
Students will kick-off the event at 12:00pm and then send each class to one of the five regions. Each class will have approximately 30 minutes per region. Each class is assigned to one of the 5 regions. Each class rotate and visit 3 of the 5 regions during the entire event.
We will wrap up the day with a special ceremony at the end.
Here is the link to the map of the regions. EARTH DAY EVENT MAP
Click on the link below to learn more about the activities at each region. Each class’ starting location is provided.
Redwood Forest - Swallow 1
Urban Ecosystem - Swallow 2
Tropical Rainforest - North Lake 1
Desert - Swallow 3
Prairie - North Lake 2
Saturday, April 13, 2013
AHS Journalism Students Recognized
arrowhead high school Students
excel in writing contest
Congratulations are in order for two of Ms. Liz Jorgensen's journalism
students, juniors Rosie
Belson and Alec Harmeyer. The Wonders of Plastics Essay contest was judged and, in the high school division, Rosie was selected as the 1st place winner, while Alec was selected as the 2nd place winner. Rosie will receive $250; Alec will receive $125.
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| Rosie Belson |
The Society of Plastics Engineers (SPE), with sponsorship from SPE Sections and Divisions, present this annual "Wonders of Plastics" essay contest. Open to all junior high and high school students, Rosie's and Alec's essays were submitted to the local section of The Society of Plastics Engineers. Rosie's essay--the winning entry at the section level--will be published and publicized in the Section newsletter and forwarded to SPE Headquarters for judging at the international level.
The students were given the following suggestions for paper topics: plastics in the environment, creative use of recycled plastics, what plastics have done for me, how plastics improve our lifestyle, plastics usefulness in society, how plastics benefit humankind, why the bad reputation of plastics is wrong and the advantages of plastics in food packaging. Students had to write a 500 - 1,000 word essay on the benefits of plastics.
 |
| Alec Harmeyer |
At the April 17th Annual Society of Plastic Engineers Education/Career Night at WCTC, Alec and Rosie will be recognized and presented with their awards. Both Alec and Rosie spent a significant amount of time drafting, researching and composing these essays. Ms. Jorgensen, when asked about here students stated, "Both students are exceptionally hard workers who have produced great work! I am so proud of them." Thanks also to Mr. Tom Whelan, technology and engineering teacher, who encouraged Ms. Jorgensen and her students to work on this competition. Congratulations again to both Alec and Rosie and to their teachers!!!
Generous Donations
Generous Donations
to "The U" at AHS
 |
| Arrowhead School Board Members Bob Rosch (center left) and Al Zietlow (center right) look on as students use the new ping pong table in The U. |
Earlier this year, Arrowhead South Campus added a new program
to their lunchroom: the Arrowhead Student Union, more commonly known as "The U." The U started as a way for students with special needs,
particularly those with autism, to learn employment and communication skills.
By running The U, students learn skills such as customer service, handling
money, advertising, maintenance of business equipment, and pricing items to
make a profit.
Through the games, the students learn social and communication
skills by interacting with other Arrowhead students. “The interaction of students provides an opportunity to learn leisure skills in a school setting,” said Ann Krueger, special education teacher. “I’ve seen many schools with cafes, but we found that most don’t have the aspect of the games.” Krueger said the games provide an important collaboration between students and individuals on and off the autism spectrum.
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| Bob Rosch Arrowhead School Board member watches students playing ping pong |
 |
| Al Zietlow, Arrowhead School Board member coaches an AHS student on shooting techniques |
Al Zietlow kindly donated money to purchase the popular pop a shot for students to enjoy; students use the equipment hourly.
Thank you to the school board members for your support of experiential learning opportunities for our young people.
Arrowhead High School Jazz Fest
special event
arrowhead high school jazz fest
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| Moanin(solos)- Columbia College Jazz Ensemble feat. Jeremy Pelt, L. Marinozzi, M.Trabucco, G.Ferreri |
The Arrowhead High School Instrumental Music Department has the esteemed pleasure of hosting The Columbia College Jazz Ensemble of Chicago for a very special performance on Saturday, April 20th, 7:00pm in the Arrowhead High School North Campus Theater.
This is one of the premiere jazz ensembles in the country and our own AHS North Jazz Ensemble will be opening the show! Tickets can be purchased through the instrumental music department or at the door.
$15/adult; $8/Student and seniors
Please come out for this very special performance!
Brief bio on The Columbia College Jazz Ensemble and a video: WATCH COLUMBIA HERE
Columbia College Jazz Ensemble was created by Scott Hall and Bill Russo in 1999. The ensemble is a diverse team of students creating dynamic big band music throughout the Columbia College Chicago campus and the Chicago region. Outstanding performances in the Chicago area and Europe have allowed it to be recognized as one of the foremost college jazz ensembles in the Midwest. CCJE has performed in concert with some of the most celebrated jazz artists. In recent years the ensemble has performed with Barry Harris, Wycliffe Gordon, Terence Blanchard, Cyrus Chestnut, Bob Mintzer, Peter Erskine, Fred Wesley, Christian McBride, Benny Golson, and Vincent Gardner. The CCJE and numerous members have won awards as performers at area festivals. Many of our alums have traveled the world pursuing their life-long dreams as performers.
This evening performance is in conjunction with the Arrowhead High School Jazz Fest, a non-competitive high school jazz festival for jazz programs throughout the area. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Gib Weigel Memorial Music Scholarship.
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Sunday, April 7, 2013
AHS Students Tour Manufacturing Businesses
Arrowhead Students, Parents & Staff Tour
Local Manufacturing Businesses
Arrowhead students and parents recently joined the Arrowhead School District staff, Waukesha County Business Alliance, and Hartland Area Chamber of Commerce for a day of touring area manufacturing plants. Students and parents had the chance to learn about various careers in Manufacturing, see products that are made in Waukesha County and learn about the skills needed for a manufacturing career. The tours included stops at Waukesha County Technical College - School of Applied Technologies, GE Energy, Waukesha gas engines, DUECO, Inc., and MetalTek International.
The event was coordinated by Tom Whelan, Arrowhead technology and engineering department coordinator, and Mary Baer, Waukesha County Business Alliance. The purpose of Schools2Skills is to inspire students, parents and educators to learn more about manufacturing careers available in Waukesha County, including career paths, salaries and the education required to succeed in today’s manufacturing environment.
Saturday, April 6, 2013
AHS Students Nominate Teachers for My Favorite Teacher
Arrowhead High School students in Ms. Liz Jorgensen's English classes submitted essays recognizing their favorite teachers. Several Barnes and Noble stores selected creative writing students as winners in the My Favorite Teacher contest. Here is a link to the contest: http://www.
The following are Arrowhead High School students who were chosen as winners of the contest along with the teacher who the students' nominated:
Brenda Suhan nominated Mr. Andy Freeburg
Kaite Holowitz nominated Mrs. Heidi Hamilton
Heather Roehr nominated Ms. Rayen Singletary
The following are the winning essays submitted by Heather, Brenda, and Kaite:
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| Brenda Suhan AHS Senior |
Brenda Suhan
Educator of the Year
Barnes and Noble Winner
It isn’t often that you come across a cardigan-wearing high school
English teacher with interests ranging from skateboarding to poetry and from
heavy metal to the latest fashion trends. But Mr. Freeburg, my AP
English teacher, is quite the interesting character. When students can’t
wait to get to class at 7:30 AM, you know that teacher has something special.
I have
always had a love for English, but never could I imagine being taught by
someone as engaging as Mr. Freeburg. Every student participates in class
discussions, and we are encouraged to share our ideas – whether they are right,
wrong, or somewhere in between.
Before Christmas break, we all brought in embarrassing photos of ourselves,
exchanged them, and wrote a poem based on the photos. In turn, Mr.
Freeburg unabashedly showed us an embarrassing photo from his teenage and
college years each day the week before. One day the picture was one of
his blonde flowing mullet; the next was another picture of his pink short
shorts. Educational yet fun activities like these are what make the class
feel like family.
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| Mr. Andy Freeburg Arrowhead High School English Teacher |
One of
the best traits of Mr. Freeburg is the attention he pays to individual
students. He made a point to learn everyone’s names at the beginning of
the semester, and he goes around the classroom and does a “weekend roundup” of
our plans every Friday. He is truly interested in his students.
Most importantly, he encourages every one of us.
If a student says something earth-shatteringly brilliant during a
discussion, he karate chops the artificial cherry blossom tree in the corner of
the classroom, jumps around with excitement, and gives the student a key from
his box – the symbol of the ultimate scholar. And when he noticed I was
working on a poem for a literary contest I learned about in his class, he screeched
“POEM!” asked to read it, and then said, “You are a true ancient poet.” I
laughed, but I knew he was sincere when he told me that I had talent and that I
should keep writing. And I haven’t stopped since. On one of my
papers he wrote on the top: “Reading this essay was like being dipped in
gold!!” Funny yet encouraging feedback like this helps me feel confident
that I can exceed expectations – and that is what learning is all about.
 |
| Katie Holowitz AHS Senior |
By Katie Holowitz
Nominating Heidi Hamilton
Barnes and Noble Winner
I never enjoyed school, and school didn’t enjoy me. I have always
struggled with concentrating and organizing. In second grade, I was diagnosed
with ADHD and ever since, I have been enrolled in classes for kids with
learning disabilities. I have had countless teachers who’ve always been on my
side. But these teachers acted as if I couldn’t function on a daily basis, making
me feel like I couldn’t handle the real world.
As I entered high
school, I thought I was going to be stuck with a gentile spoken lady, who
treated me differently than everyone else. But as I walked into Arrowhead High
School’s Learning Center, all I could hear was a loud voice, reverberating in
my eardrums.
“Hey, Katie! I’m Mrs. Hamilton! I’m your new case manager!” she
screamed.
I was in shock from her reaction. I was not used to a teacher being
louder than the whispers in the hallway. But the best way to describe
Mrs. Hamilton is exhilarating, compassionate, and feisty.
As I walk in the
hallway, I easily spot Mrs. Hamilton. I mean, it’s pretty difficult to not
notice a 6’4” lady, who looks like she belongs in the WNBA, marching down the
hallway. As I walk in the crowded hallways, Mrs. Hamilton still manages to yell
out, “Katie! Hi!” each time. I used to try and hide from her (because I was a
little embarrassed), but over time, I thought it was special that she always
noticed me; and I came to recognize she’ll always spot me and greet me.
 |
| Mrs. Heidi Hamilton Arrowhead High School Special Ed. Teacher |
Mrs. Hamilton is a mother, coach, and a special education teacher.
When I was little, I attended her basketball clubs, and I looked up to
her. She was always energized, like she just won the lottery.
Mrs. Hamilton is a role model and she has inspired me to work with kids
who also have learning disabilities. At my high school, Mrs. Hamilton runs the student
panel for children with disabilities, which is a program to help get children
with disabilities involved with other students. Mrs. Hamilton gave me the
opportunity to join the panel and talk to students about my transition to high
school, while struggling with ADHD. Mrs. Hamilton has had a huge impact on my
journey and if it weren’t for her, I would have never made it where I am
now—and that’s why she is my teacher of the year, and always will be.
Mrs. Hamilton has helped me every step of the way, including helping me
apply to colleges and scholarships this year. When I look back on the past four
years, I am thankful for Mrs. Hamilton. Teaching is so much more than a job for
her—it’s her life, it’s her passion and it’s her purpose. Thank you, Mrs.
Hamilton for everything you have done for me.
 |
| Heather Roehr AHS Junior |
Selected as Barnes and Noble as My Favorite Teacher contest winner
Nominating Rayen Singletary
Honestly, English is probably my weakest subject. As I
always put it, “I ain’t no good at that grammar thing.” I was below the
curve when it came to my skills in English; however, my sophomore year, that
all change. I began to understand grammar rules. And these changes
took place because of one wonderful teacher: Rayen Singletary.
Ms. Singletary was the breath of fresh air that
drab old English needed. “Life is more interesting with a little sauce,”
is the mantra of my personal educator of a lifetime. From day one of
sophomore English, I could tell I was going to be particularly fond of Ms. S;
she introduced herself as a nerd and used the phrase, “lame-sauce.”
Quickly, I learned she loved theatre, and we bonded over this
similarity. The bond I had with her allowed for a personal learning
experience, and it also motivated me to try harder in the dreaded English. The
last thing I wanted was to let down Ms. Singletary.
Throughout the course
of the year, Ms. Singletary ensured she was available to aid with my essay
writing and grammar, and with a little hard work and dedication, I was finally
able to write grammatically correct essays. In fact, she still is willing
to make time to help me with my essays today, even though I no longer have her
as a teacher.
 |
| Ms. Rayen Singletary Arrowhead High School English Teacher |
Ms. Singletary’s dedication didn’t only help me excel in the areas of
English I struggled in— it also pushed me to give my all even to the parts of
English that came easily to me. A personal strength of mine is public
speaking, so I was ecstatic when I learned speeches made up a large
portion of my grade; I thought, hey easy A.
But oh boy was I wrong because Ms. S graded on the philosophy of
personal ability and she knew an avid theatre kid like me was capable of much
more than my meekly prepared for speeches. So although I had some
of the best speeches in the class, I would always end up with a B.
“I know you could do better,” she always would reply. I
thought I deserved an A, but in truth, I knew I didn’t.
By the end of the
year, her persistence persuaded me to actually give the necessary effort in my
speeches, and I did. Although the whole concept annoyed me at the
time, Ms. Singletary taught me a valuable lesson about work ethic, and it’s one
I won’t soon forget.
It is for her wonderful sense of humor, remarkable dedication, quirky
sayings, and passion, that I nominate Ms. Singletary for this award. Ms.
Singletary impacted my life that year in way she will never truly understand;
she helped me improve not only my weaknesses, but also my strengths.
Today I can write a decent essay, the first time, and I have Ms.
Singletary to thank for that.
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