Several days before the holidays, teachers at the Senior High were given one of the most meaningful gifts of all: Appreciation. Over the course of two days, a handful of thoughtful senior student athletes took the opportunity to tell teachers just how much they've made an impact on their lives as they presented them with customized shirts with their name and a big "1" on the back. The new-ish tradition is called "My Jersey, Your Impact," and is celebrated by student athletes across the nation who briefly interrupt instruction to surprise their favorite teacher with a jersey as well as heartfelt words of appreciation as to how that teacher's made an impact on their lives. "Mr. Rugg has always served as an inspiration to me and showed me how to act both on and off the mat," said senior wrestler Michael Borja. "Even before I was in high school, he showed me how to be a leader and lead by example."

Josiah Newman-McCarthy agreed, as he explained how Mr. Lowell Keebler, a science teacher at the Senior High, managed to impact him during the height of the pandemic during his freshman year. "At first, I thought his class was lame because it was online and I really didn't think about trying too hard," Josiah, now a senior, admitted. "But Mr. Keebler really stressed the importance of doing your best and being honorable, and those lessons have really stuck with me the rest of my years of high school."

Haley Piersol and Aaliyah Ware chose Mrs. Kirsten Fleischman and agreed that she deserved both of their jerseys for her positive attitude and how she always encouraged them to do their best. "She always helped me stay motivated--even when I wasn't motivated--and that helped me both in sports and in school," said Aaliyah, to which Haley nodded in agreement.

Mr. Tom Legath, the district's Athletic Director, organized the event by selecting several winter captains from each sport and then having each student select a teacher to celebrate. "We have great teachers here, and it shows," said Mr. Legath. "So many of these students have been inspired by these teachers to always give their best whether they are in the classroom or on the field or court. I hope today they have a chance to see and celebrate just how much of a positive impact they have."