WHHS athletes honor teachers at event

Recognition comes in many ways and on numerous levels when it comes to doling out accolades to high school athletes.

However, athletic participants in high school are called student-athletes for a reason, and on Thursday, Dec. 14 at West Holmes High School, the West Holmes Lady Knights basketball team took time to honor the educators who have helped them achieve not only on the hardwood, but also in the classroom.

Each team individual was asked to invite their favorite teacher to be honored, and the players wrote tributes to each teacher describing why they mean so much to them.

Prior to the game with New Philadelphia, the players lined up beside their favorite teacher, and one by one, they took center stage to read their written words over the loudspeaker.

Lady Knight Zalina Proper said the pressure of playing on the floor was nothing compared to speaking in front of the large crowd.

“I’d seen it done at a few other schools, and I really liked the idea of honoring our teachers,” said WHHS head coach Lindy Belden, a teacher herself. “I talked to the kids about the idea, and they were excited about it, so I had them pick their favorite teacher, and we sat down at practice for about 15 minutes and I had the kids write why they chose that teacher.”

As for speaking in front of a big crowd, Belden told her players it was good for them to step outside of their comfort zone.

“It means more coming from them than it does from someone else reading it,” Belden said. “I was proud of them.”

During the presentation Belden talked about the importance of young people recognizing those who have been instrumental in helping them grow and pursue their educational goals.

“These teachers have gone above and beyond just being a teacher,” Belden said. “They have left a lasting impression on the students they have come in contact with. What they do in the classroom goes beyond teaching the curriculum and tests. They teach lessons students can take with them for the rest of their lives.”

Belden said the girls wanted to personally thank each teacher for their commitment, wisdom and passion.

Despite having to face the fear of public speaking, the words the girls shared were touching, and they meant a great deal to the teachers being honored because oftentimes teaching is a tireless job that can get overlooked, a job that requires educators to wear many different hats.

During each of the presentations, there were plenty of smiles and hugs between players and educators, and it was heartwarming to all of them to be able to share this moment together.

Keegan Uhl began the process by honoring Morgan Kellogg, a science teacher at WHHS. She said of Kellogg, “She listens and gives the best advice. She is the most understanding and patient teacher I’ve ever had, and she pushes me every day to be the best version of myself.”

Allie McMillen chose high school business and computer teacher Melissa Rodhe because she lifts up and encourages every student on a daily basis and cares about each student.

Thanking her for her inspiration and generosity, Chloe Patten chose science teacher Jessica Kaufman because she believes Kaufman’s knowledge and love for her career comes out through her teaching and she always takes care of other’s needs.

High school geometry teacher Clay Miller was chosen by Briar Cline, who said of her favorite teacher, “He puts trust in his students and allows them the freedom to make individual choices in class, which helps prepare us for life outside of high school.”

Lillian Brown may have struck home with the most defining speech in honoring Cody Starr, a paraprofessional at the high school.

Brown said Starr has been a huge influence on her to improve her work ethic at school and strive to improve her grades.

“He has supported and encouraged me,” Brown said. “I would ask Mr. Starr for help whenever I struggled with schoolwork. He was always willing to explain and guide me through the steps to finding the answers and giving me support to make sure I wasn’t falling behind in my grades.”

Brown said she was extremely grateful to Starr for pushing her to excel in the classroom, which ultimately is something every teacher hopes to accomplish.

There were many more teachers and more words of praise as student-athletes shared their gratitude toward teachers who have made an impact on their lives.

West Holmes High School FCS teacher Tes Kinsey said all of the teachers were honored to be there, and having a student invite them because of the impact they have had on a young person’s life is incredibly meaningful.

“We don’t get recognized all that often for all of the work we do, and it’s nice to hear all of the wonderful things students have to say about all of these teachers,” Kinsey said. “It’s humbling, and it is also encouraging to know that we are making a positive impact on young people’s lives.”

Belden said right now the plan is to continue this honor and make it an annual event.