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.
 

Olivia Bryan Honors Ms. Jamie Sinkovitz, Fifth Grade Teacher at SGI

Ms. Sinkovitz was my fifth-grade teacher and one of the few teachers who has had all five of my siblings and me. She was always the funniest teacher I’ve had, and she still holds that spot to this day (and likely always will).

I constantly think of the one time she sprinted down the hallway in thick platform sandals to break up a fight, throwing her sunglasses on the ground. It might’ve been the most impressive thing I’ve ever seen one of my teachers do.

Ms. Sinkovitz always made class enjoyable, and I returned to her classroom over the years when my younger siblings had curriculum fairs at the intermediate school just to say hi. She’s been a teacher who has made a tremendous impact not only on me, but on all of my siblings as well.

Thank you, Ms. Sinkovitz!
 

Alexia Calugar Honors Ms. Diana Tufano, Family and Consumer Science Teacher at SGAHS

I was lucky enough to have Mrs. Tufano as my cooking teacher both freshman and sophomore year of high school. Sharing many of the same interests, she quickly became someone I could always talk to. She constantly pushed me and encouraged me to do my best and be my best, even when she didn’t have to.

Even in my later years of high school when I didn’t have her class, her door was always open. Whether I needed to talk about our favorite music artists, college, or just needed someone to listen to a random rant, Mrs. Tufano always listened. Over the past four years, she has created a safe space for me to be myself whenever I needed it. I feel so grateful that I’m able to walk away with a friend as kind as her.

Thank you, Mrs. Tufano. Here’s to me breaking more Legos!
 

Amelia Etter Honors Señora Baer, Spanish Teacher at SGAHS

I chose to honor Señora Baer as my most impactful teacher not only because she is an incredible Spanish teacher, but because of her unwavering support for me in every aspect of my life. It is difficult to put into words everything Señora Baer has done for me, but I can begin by saying her impact goes far beyond the classroom.

She has stuck by my side through my most difficult challenges and made me stronger every step of the way. She believes in me even when I doubt myself, and her constant encouragement has helped me grow not only as a student, but as a person. She has always listened, offered advice when I felt unsure, and celebrated my successes as if they were her own.

I have also loved seeing the impact she has on other students. I will forever cherish the thousands of memories we have made - from Spanish, to field hockey, and everything in between. Baer, thank you for pushing me to be the best version of myself. You have made my life better than I ever expected, and for that I am forever grateful. And don’t worry, I will still give you updates next year and for many years after.
 

Myleigh Heisey Honors Ms. Catrina Frey, Science Teacher at SGAHS

I have had Ms. Frey as a teacher since my sophomore year for Chemistry and Anatomy and Physiology. She is dedicated to her job and cares deeply about her students’ education. Ms. Frey is one of the best teachers I’ve ever had, and I wouldn’t have done as well in those classes without her.
She is the kind of teacher every student hopes to have - someone who genuinely cares about each student in her classroom. If I was stuck on something, she would take time to explain it and make sure I fully understood. I am very grateful for all the ways Ms. Frey has helped me throughout my education.

She also never failed to make class enjoyable. Whether it was a fun activity or a lab, the classroom was always a comfortable and positive environment. One time in class, we convinced her to do a cartwheel, and as an ex-gymnast, I think it might have been even better than mine.
You can easily see her love for teaching and her students through the way she brings joy to every class period.

Thank you, Ms. Frey, for being one of the best teachers I’ve ever had and for always caring about my success and future.
 

Aubry Neiderer Honors Señora Kinneer, Spanish Teacher at SGAHS

Señora Kinneer has been a big role model and supporter in my life for the past four years. I had her as my Spanish teacher for the first three years of high school, and although I don’t have her this year, her classroom has always been an open space for me to visit.

When I had her for Spanish, she always made the curriculum enjoyable. Señora always had a smile on her face and brought energy into the classroom. She took the time to answer questions and help with confusing assignments, which helped me end each year with the grade I wanted.

Outside of class, Señora never failed to notice when something was wrong. I can always rely on her to be there when I need to talk or just sit and clear my head.

Señora is truly one of the most selfless and caring teachers I’ve ever had and has helped shape me into the person I am today. For that, I am incredibly grateful.

Te amo, Señora!
 

Madalyn Sliver Honors Ms. Kaylyn Ford, Business Teacher at SGAHS

Tonight, I would like to give special thanks to Mrs. Ford, a teacher who truly brings light into the classroom every single day.

Mrs. Ford is more than just an accounting teacher - she is someone who always puts others’ needs first to make sure they are okay. She takes the time to listen, understand, and support everyone, making each student feel seen and valued. No matter how difficult things may get, she is always encouraging and uplifting.

From the short time I’ve been blessed to have her as a teacher, she has taught me things I can use not only in accounting, but in life. I love being able to walk into class and see her smiling, letting me know today is going to be a good day, even when it doesn’t feel like it.

Thank you, Mrs. Ford, for always being a light of joy in my days at Spring Grove.
 

Julianna Stewart Honors Ms. Burgard, Retired Teacher at PES

When I heard we were having a teacher appreciation night, the first teacher that came to mind was Mrs. Burgard. She was my third-grade teacher, and ever since then she has always been someone I’ve looked up to.

Mrs. Burgard has always been very dedicated to teaching and deeply caring toward her students. Throughout elementary school, she taught me more than multiplication facts and history trivia. She taught me to care for others because you never know what someone else is going through.

I am grateful for everything Mrs. Burgard has taught me throughout the years of knowing her. Thank you, Mrs. Burgard!
 

Madison Wittbecker Honors Ms. Cheryl Bohnert, Administrative Assistant at SGAHS

I’ve never really had a strong connection with any of my high school teachers until I met Mrs. Bohnert. When I first met her, she was working in the front office. My friend and I would go down almost every day just to sit on the floor behind her desk and talk until the period was over. She was always someone I could be myself around without feeling embarrassed.

She has helped me through hard days and stressful situations, and I am more than grateful to have her in my life. Even when she is busy, she still gives me her attention and talks to me about anything.

My favorite memory is when I taught her what the term “gyat” meant and explained how boys aren’t interested in the same things they were in the 90s and 2000s. Mrs. Bohnert has helped me in more ways than she knows, and I will forever cherish our conversations and time together.

Thank you, Mrs. Bohnert! 

 

Thank you to our teachers for inspiring these young minds!