SGAHS Girls Lacrosse Teacher Appreciation Night

Senior members of the Girls Lacrosse team recently took time to honor the teachers who have made the biggest impact on their lives. These educators have been more than just instructors—they’ve been mentors, supporters, and positive influences throughout the students’ high school journey.

It’s incredibly meaningful to witness our students take a moment to recognize the dedication, encouragement, and care that our teachers show every day.

A big thank you to the Girls Lacrosse team for this heartfelt gesture of appreciation. To our teachers—your influence reaches far beyond the classroom, and we are truly grateful for all that you do.
 

Christina Abel Honors Mr. Jared Reck, ELA Teacher at SGAHS

I’ve been lucky enough to have Mr. Reck throughout my entire high school career—both in Creative Writing and as my Flex Block teacher. I truly admire his ability to connect with every student. Whether he was asking about my future plans or simply what I ate for breakfast that morning, Mr. Reck always made it clear that he genuinely cared about my life and success. He helped me research colleges and programs that would best suit my goals, and his guidance meant so much.

One thing to know about Mr. Reck is that he takes pride in all of his students' accomplishments. He invests in our creativity and encourages us to step outside our comfort zones and explore new approaches to creative thinking. I’m deeply grateful for the way he pushed me to focus more on my future, and for the time and energy he poured into supporting my writing.

I’ll miss our walks around the school and our weekly check-ins. Thank you for everything, Mr. Reck. I wouldn’t be where I am now without your help.
 

Kate Bittinger Honors Mr. Tyler Newcomb, Science Teacher at SGAHS

When I heard we were having a Teacher Appreciation Night, the first teacher who came to mind was Mr. Newcomb. He made a challenging AP Biology class the most enjoyable class I’ve ever taken. Whenever I struggled to understand the content or fell behind on assignments, Mr. Newcomb was always there—offering extra help after school and providing personalized review materials to support me.

There was a time when I truly believed I would never pass AP Biology or the exam, but I did—and it was because of the support he gave me.

Mr. Newcomb never failed to make me laugh. On mornings when I came to class feeling upset, he somehow always knew exactly what to say to brighten my day. One of my favorite memories is playing Mafia in class—a game I had never heard of until I met him. Even though I only had him for one class, that didn’t stop me from visiting during free periods just to chat.

I am incredibly grateful to Mr. Newcomb for never giving up on me and for always having my back through everything.
 

Peyton Breon Honors Coach Erin Burkett, Assistant Varsity Girls Lacrosse Coach

Coach Erin has been my lacrosse coach for most of my high school career. She is a dedicated and hardworking coach, and I’ll never forget how much joy she brought to my high school experience.

Coach Erin, I want to take a moment to express my heartfelt appreciation for everything you’ve done for me. You’ve supported me not just as a coach, but as a caring and encouraging presence in my life—both emotionally and physically.

Your ability to make practice fun with laughter and jokes created an environment where I always felt comfortable and motivated to push myself. Thank you for always believing in me and for being someone I could rely on.

You’re truly an amazing person and coach. Thank you, Coach Erin!
 

Kylee Drake Honors Mr. David Carns, P.E. Teacher at SGAHS

When asked to choose a teacher who brings light to the high school, there was no hesitation in choosing Mr. Carns. Even though I only had him for two years in gym class, he managed to make it my favorite class. Mr. Carns puts full effort into bonding with every student and helping in any way he can.

I’m sure I complained in that class more than I showed optimism, yet he never failed to quickly find a solution to whatever problem I had—whether it was going on a hunt for a tissue or giving me a rubber band for a hair tie. Even when it wasn’t something he could fix, he was always there to listen to my rants while I was stretching or working out.

Mr. Carns undeniably loves what he does, and he’s turned gym class—something I used to dread—into a class I’ve learned to love.

Thank you, Mr. Carns, for everything you do. I’m so grateful to have you as a teacher!
 

Bella Gable Honors Mrs. Kara Reed, Learning Support Teacher at SGAHS

Mrs. Reed has been my Student Council advisor since my freshman year of high school, and she has been a constant role model in my life. Over the past four years, she has helped me grow as a person and become the leader I am today—pushing me out of my comfort zone when needed, while always reminding me that she’s there to catch me if I fall.

Mrs. Reed’s classroom has become my safe space at school. I can always count on her to be there for me when I’m having a bad day and need to vent. What I admire most about Mrs. Reed is her dedication and willingness to go above and beyond for all students—even putting her own safety aside (RIP to her finger!).

Mrs. Reed never fails to brighten my day, whether it’s through a simple conversation or a Dunkin’ run. I will forever cherish the memories we’ve made and the life skills she has taught me.

Thank you, Mrs. Reed!
 

Francesca Grippi Honors Mrs. Michelle Garrett, Aide at SGAHS

Mrs. Garrett has played a big role in my life since freshman year. Back when she worked in the attendance office, she would always greet me with a cheerful “GRIPPI!” or ask, “Grippi, why are you late?” Even when the timing wasn’t always the best—literally—she always made me feel welcome.

Now that she’s in the IAC, I still see her every day, and she still greets me with a smile and a “GRIPPI!” She always takes the time to talk to me and ask questions. She continues to brighten my day, and she’s truly one of the most amazing people I’ve ever met.

I’m so grateful to have such a supportive and kind role model in my life.
 

Madalyn Little Honors Ms. Lauren Grove, Kindergarten Teacher at PES

Throughout my high school career, Coach Grove has been someone I’ve been lucky enough to build a meaningful connection with. She has been both my lacrosse coach and a teacher mentor.

On the field, Coach Grove helped me discover my love for the game and develop my defensive skills. Without her support—especially during my first year of high school lacrosse—I wouldn’t be the player I am today.

Beyond the field, Coach Grove has also been an incredible role model as a teacher. I’ve had multiple shadowing opportunities in her classroom that have helped me develop teaching skills and confirm that education is the path I want to pursue. She always has a smile on her face and brings enthusiasm into every lesson. She is the kind of teacher I aspire to be.

Thank you for always answering all of my questions with patience and kindness. Thank you for being one of my biggest cheerleaders—your support means the world to me.

Love you, Coach Grove!
 

Ava Seifert Honors Mrs. Nicole Riser, Business Teacher at SGAHS

Mrs. Riser has made a big impact on my life since my freshman year business class. She is a teacher who went above and beyond to make both the class and my freshman year as amazing as possible. She always had a smile on her face and never failed to make me laugh. She brought out the best in me and helped me become a better version of myself.

Whenever I struggled with an assignment, she always took the time to help me work through it and showed me new ways to overcome the challenge. Even though I only had her as a teacher during my freshman year—and briefly during a study hall in my sophomore year—she made every moment we saw each other special.

She has inspired me to become a teacher just like her, and I hope to become the best educator I can be, following her example.

Mrs. Riser, thank you for being one of the most amazing teachers I’ve ever had and one of the best people I’ve ever met!

 

Thank you to our teachers for inspiring these young minds!