Superintendent’s Honors Night Q&A

Mohammed Alali Manar Alsarraf

Sara Sabbagh

QHow do you feel about being Nominated for the superintendent’s honors night?

A“Personally, I think being invited for honors night is the best part of my year. To have a student who thinks enough of the job you do to honor you in that way is so humbling and motivating to me. Relationships that matter with students that encourage student achievement have always been a goal of mine and to see success in that means the world.”

QIn what way do you think you inspired your students?

A“As much as I would love to take credit for ‘inspiring’ my students, it is more so that I strive to support their growth, both inside and outside the classroom. My students know that I am invested in them as a whole person - and that makes a difference in the kind of relationships I am able to build with them.”

QHow would you describe your relationship with Sally Hammoud?

A“I met Sally when she was in eighth grade, before she was my student. Her sister Dena was my student at that time. Sally, Dena, and their mother traveled to Spain with me on our school trip. I feel so fortunate that I had the opportunity to travel with the amazing woman who raised these two outstanding students. As her Spanish teacher for two years and Link Crew Coordinator, I have watched Sally grow as an incredible student and kind person.”

QWhy did you choose this teacher/what made them stand out from other teachers?

A“I nominated Mr. Radcliffe. Many times teachers think that to make an impact on a student they must perfect their lesson plan or solidify the teaching of a concept. But what students truly appreciate are the teachers who make their time in school better and take the time to connect with them on a personal level. Mr. Radcliffe cares for all students in the building separate from their academic achievements and that makes his impact so strong; hence why I nominated him.”

QWhy did you choose this teacher/what made them stand out from other teachers?

A“I had Mx. Sabbagh this year for AP Lit and what really made her stand out to me is that she is not just an amazing educator but also an amazing person and mentor to me. She gave me so much help during the first semester like during the college application and she was always there able to help me not just with stuff in her class but also with stuff outside of school like with my personal life, she was able to help with that kind of stuff. She is also a very thoughtful person and she is able to provide me guidance on how to be a better thinker and person and analyzer.”

QWhy did you choose this teacher/what made them stand out from other teachers?

A“I chose Mrs. Sbeity because I had the pleasure of her being my Spanish teacher for 2 years. My sister was also a student of hers. I have known Ms. Sbeity for several years now, as the first time I met her was on a trip to Spain in 8th grade. She is kind hearted and I really enjoyed having her as a high school teacher. Her ability to make an effort and make me feel welcome the first time I met her made me realize that I would want her to be my teacher in the future. I feel she has taught me a lot and has improved my high school experience. All of this makes her stand out from others.”