Mountain View High School Top 10
Class Valedictorian
Katie Pincus
Most inspirational educator: Lynne Coté
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Her excitement and involvement never cease to amaze me.
It is hard to describe in words Ms. Coté's radiant personality. She cares about her students and takes the time to get to know them and help them in any way possible.
Her room was always a place to go to just hang out or seek guidance if needed.
Class Salutatorian
Lynné Abbuhl
Most inspirational educator: Jim Greene
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Mr. Greene always demanded greatness from his young World Studies students, and he provided all the incentive I needed to achieve a perfect 100 percent in his class: a list on the wall. Mr. Greene introduced competition to my academic studies, and that competitive nature has stuck with me throughout my schooling.
Mr. Greene has the perfect mix of organization, compassion, and excitement to make him a teacher I will never forget.
Michael Dalpiaz
Most inspirational educator: Marty Castro
● Since I first began my education, math has always been my best subject. However, it was not until my seventh grade algebra class with Mrs. Castro that I actually began to enjoy it.
More than anything else, Mrs. Castro helped develop my critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
She helped me gain the confidence in myself that I sorely needed at that time.
Isaias Torres
Most inspirational educator: Barbara Grisillo
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I remember being in seventh grade and hearing the rumors that Mrs. Grisillo was the hardest teacher. When I entered the eighth grade, I expected to be confronted with a stern, unhappy teacher. Thankfully, this was not true at all.
Mrs. Grisillo prepared me for whatever high school could throw at me. She nurtures her students spiritually so that they will make wise decisions in their lives.
Briana Zelinski
Most inspirational educator: Marilyn Easton
● My first-grade teacher, Mrs. Marilyn Easton, helped me to create a foundation for my education that will never be shaken. Her enthusiasm for literature fostered in me a passionate love for reading at a very early age. With her support and determination, I began to grow into the outgoing person I am today.
Even as I finish my senior year, part of me remains that quiet, smart little girl in Mrs. Easton's first-grade class, closing the pages of one finished story and reaching for my next adventure.
Stephen Klein
Most inspirational educator: Pam Howard
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It has been a long time since I sat in her third-grade classroom, but I still remember her exceptional teaching that caught my attention and fostered my desire to learn. She challenged me, possibly for the first time, to exceed my expectations and helped me to learn many new things.
Her love for teaching and care for her students have been unsurpassed and I will always remember that she was a very special teacher.
Hannah Berge
Most inspirational educator: Barbara Loomis
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Her sense of humor made class more fun and she was always willing to help us and answer questions. Mrs. Loomis helped me to look at history in a new way.
She taught us how to look at history from every possible point of view. This gave me a whole new perspective not only on history in general, but also on real-life situations by teaching me to look at every side of a story.
Brian Gazaille
Most inspirational educator: Andrew Morrill
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In journalism, he often emphasized the power of language; and in his classes he instilled a natural curiosity for the complexities of the English language, always egging, poking, and prodding each and every one of his students to look for the better, more precise word. Stagnating in his class was not only unacceptable but also impossible.
Without the great influence of Mr. Morrill, I probably would not be on the path I am today.
Nicole Nokleby
Most inspirational educator: Jody Schneider
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From the beginning, I was engaged by her energetic lessons and have felt that Ms. Schneider cared about me as a person and not just a name on the seating chart. This, I believe, is a rare gift. Her concern combined with the passion she has for teaching has meant so much to me.
It has made me feel wanted and increased my interest in Spanish.
Amy Raikes
Most inspirational educator: Ellen Kirkbride
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Mrs. Kirkbride goes out of her way to make being a member of the band the most rewarding and incredible experience, and that is exactly what it has been for me. Besides being both a great director and exceptional, motivational teacher, Mrs. Kirkbride has become a wonderful friend to her students. We can go to her for help with problems and she will listen to us, or we can tell her great news and she will celebrate with us. I value her trust and her guidance.
Marana High School Top 10
Valedictorian
Elizabeth Teager
Most inspirational educator: James Attebery
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He was an amazing teacher right from the start.
Mr. Attebery is one of the most interesting and wholehearted teachers I've ever had. He is always available to quote a Saturday Night Live sketch or a Seinfeld episode.
Mr. Attebery's talent motivates me to be a better musician. Not only is he a great band director, but also he is a family man and a great friend to all who know him.
Salutatorian
Ashley Schmeltzer
Most inspirational educator: Linda Zello
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Mrs. Linda Zello taught me things that changed my life, while she may not have even known it.
I loved the fact that she was not only an educator, but could take it to a personal level as well and just be a friend. She was always caring and was always there when I needed to talk. She helped me through a lot of tough times.
She works way too hard and cares way too much and I am grateful to have received the opportunity to learn from her for four years.
Samantha Litchfield
Most inspirational educator: Dani Merrill
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I was fortunate to be in her class at the time in my life when I was just beginning to find myself and explore my potential. Mrs. Merrill kindled courage within me to speak up for myself. She taught me to not be afraid to challenge things I don't understand or agree with, encouraging my enthusiasm in detecting errors in textbooks. Even in sixth grade, I was learning life lessons that have given me a good foundation to build upon.
Katy White
Most inspirational educator: Stacia Ely
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It is the life lessons that I have learned through my friendship with her that have affected me the most.
Her teaching style allows me the freedom to pursue my own agricultural pursuits, and the hands-on activities that we do in agriscience make even the most boring day more exciting.
Carly Parsons
Most inspirational educator: Ned Russell
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I remember Mr. Russell's fifth-grade class like it was yesterday.
Mr. Russell influenced my life at a very young age and opened my eyes to the world. I doubt I would have ever attempted art, poetry, acting and sports or pushed myself academically if he didn't influence me the way he did.
I thank him for helping me become who I am and for giving me the insight to never stop until I am happy with the results.
Abigail Guerra
Most inspirational educator: Gayle Schmidt
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She was nice, a highly important quality when you are 7 years old. The following summer, Mrs. Schmidt went to Australia. During her trip, she took the time to send me a postcard and share a little of Australia with me. She may not have realized what it would do then, but that small act has made an impact on me and has stuck with me through the years.
Shannon Rzucidlo and Savannah Baltazar
Most inspirational educator: Kent Sorensen
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Who's the Good Teacher? When we asked ourselves this question only one real answer came to mind: Mr. Sorensen. In fact, we both fought over who would get the honor of choosing him. In the end, we chose to share him.
This is the general effect Sorensen has on his students; he inspires them to accomplish their goals and ultimately becomes a beloved teacher and friend. This is most definitely the effect he had on us. He is a comforting figure who adds humor to our day, and still presents a structured and disciplined working environment.
Vanessa Gutierrez
Most inspirational educator: John Stegmaier
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I have always been fond of science, and found that while I was in his class, I learned to enjoy it even more. Mr. Stegmaier was a laid-back teacher who taught the class in his own different ways.
I remember when we shot potatoes across the room so we could be entertained while we learned.
Mr. Stegmaier has inspired me to pursue a career in the chemistry field.
Candice Heinz
Most inspirational educator: Erik Videbeck
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Mr. Videbeck has made American Government an interesting and relevant topic for me and so many other students. I respect him highly for his dedication to his teaching and the enjoyment that he gets from it.
He places importance on being understanding, knowledgeable and most importantly, respectful towards his students. Mr. Videbeck encourages his students to challenge themselves and form their own ideas and opinions about politics and other societal issues.
