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World Teacher Day Honors
WORLD Teacher Day
To: Howard Shockey, Mathematics
Thank you for appreciating the ways my brain unraveled proofs. You always made me feel smart and interesting! I loved that there was more than one way to the proof, and that you looked forward to the different way I would get there. I think that was the last time I felt personally appreciated as a thinker.
– Kimberly (Burnworth ’83) Walker-Gonçalves
To: Marina Buratti, Italian
Grazie di tutto! Grazie per aver ispirato i tuoi studenti!! My high school experience would not have been the same without my Italian classes each year and without the valuable knowledge you imparted us with. Grazie mille per il mio amore per Italia e Italiano.
– Clare Chiusano ’21 Wednesday, October 5, 2022, was World Teacher Day
and several alumni reached out to share their thoughts and memories of the very special faculty who influenced their education and futures. Here are just a few. If you’d like to extend your appreciation to any SA faculty, you don’t have to wait until World Teacher Day 2023, simply send an email to advancement@sewickley.org.
To: Cristy McCloskey, Computer Science
Hi, Mrs. McCloskey. I hope that this note finds you in good spirits. I just wanted to say a quick thank you for all that you have done for me over the past four years. You have truly helped me build a strong foundation for my studies in computer science, and if I ever become a teacher someday, I hope to be able to convey ideas to my students as clearly as you did to my peers and I. Anyways, I wish you all the best for this school year and beyond, Mrs. McCloskey. – Gary Peng ’22
To: Alden H.J. Sector, History
Dear Mr. Sector, If you were here, I’d tell you how important you have been to me not just back in the 1980s when you taught History in the Middle School at Sewickley Academy but now, so many years later. I’d tell you how you made me feel included and important, intelligent and capable. I’d tell you that your ability to be both dignified and proper and also, approachable with a sprinkle of dry wit and humor was a shining example of what an adult can be (how I wanted to be). I’d tell you how much you commanded respect and how I wanted to earn your respect in return. I’d tell you the lessons you taught went beyond world history and into the very core of who I am today. Those lessons have kept me strong when I needed it most.
I can’t begin to find the right words to express the gratitude I feel still for your influence on my life. I will end this message simply by saying, if you were here, Mr. Sector, I would say thank you for all that you were and still are to me.
Sincerely, Jennifer (Clement ’86) Kelley
To: Louise Bassett (Weir),
Physical Education
Thank you for coaching and teaching me. So glad we have reconnected when we are both grown-ups.
