‘Maine South’s Finest’ showcases students’ appreciation

Margaret Sheehan

Features Writer

During high school, many students become so caught up in the whirlwind of friends, sports, and homework, that they forget to appreciate a group of very important people in their lives: teachers and staff. From staying after school to assist students, to long days spent planning the next lesson, teachers and staff deserve students’ appreciation. This year, two Maine South students started a project to show just how grateful students are for their amazing staff.

Junior Dylan Sarsany and senior Gaetano Iannotta began the “Maine South’s Finest” project last year. The project involves creating massive posters featuring staff members, which are then given to the teachers to display in their classrooms.

“I started the ‘Maine South’s Finest’ project last year to honor the teachers at Maine South,” Iannotta said. “One day, I was looking at baseball cards and thought that it would be fun to showcase some of Maine South’s teachers in a unique and artistic way.”

The posters started on standard sheets of printer paper, but as the project grew, so did the posters. Iannotta and Sarsany used their design skills to show how much they value the Maine South staff.

“I created the design for the Finest cards in Photoshop and I make them with that base design,” Iannotta said. “Our Finest committee determines who is recognized as The Finest by nominating people we believe to be the ones at Maine South that are above and beyond in helping students become their best selves.”

Sarsany and Ionnatta created a system to successfully capture each teacher’s unique characteristics through the posters.

“Once we determine who will be in the latest round of The Finest, we visit the teacher, take their photos, and I make the design,” Iannotta said. “Every teacher at Maine South has their own specific flair and personal elements they put into teaching, and I make sure we are able to highlight that in their card.”

Sarsany and Iannotta are pleased with the impact their project has made. They have over 200 followers on their Instagram, @mshsfinest.

“To think that a small and particularly unknown project has turned into what it is today for me is mind-boggling, and I’m honored to be one of the co-founders of it,” Sarsany said.

Ms. Melinda Nees, science teacher and recipient of a poster, expressed just how much of an influence students’ appreciation can have.

“I was flattered to receive a poster, and I am very grateful for the token of appreciation,” Ms. Nees said. “Any time a teacher receives any kind of thank you, whether it be an email, card, or teacher appreciation week note, it is so meaningful. I save all the notes and emails that students have sent me, and I look at them when I’m not feeling confident or when I’m having a bad day.”

French teacher Ms. Emily Delehanty also received a poster that brightened her day and her classroom.

“I think it’s a great initiative to show appreciation for all the hard work teachers and staff do,” Ms. Delehanty said. “It really means a lot and reminds me that what I’m doing makes a difference.”

Teachers and staff impact students’ lives daily, often without praise or material rewards. They teach and create connections with their students that can change the course of students’ lives.

School Resource Officer, Mr. Carlos Panizo, notes that student appreciation reminds him of why he chose his career.

“I think that people who work in public service, like first responders or educators, didn’t choose those careers with the need to be recognized,” Officer Panizo said. “I think one truly just wants to make a positive impact on the lives of others. The occasional gesture of appreciation given to those public servants does go a long way toward validating that initial decision to serve, and can inspire them to continue doing great work.”

Although Sarsany and Iannotta went above and beyond in showing their appreciation towards the staff, students can show gratitude through small acts of kindness as well.

“I appreciate the small things that students do, like saying ‘merci’ at the end of class or sharing moments where they used French outside of the classroom,” Ms. Delehanty said. “Appreciation can go a long way in boosting teacher morale during tough times.”

Sarsany and Iannotta’s project has touched teachers and staff throughout the school, and they aim to continue their appreciation efforts. Maine South’s Finest serves as a reminder to students to express their gratitude for teachers and staff who impact their lives every day.

“The reason why we make these posters is to establish and foster a necessary appreciation for our teachers and staff and spread a level of happiness and geniality for Maine South as a whole,” Sarsany said. “I am honored to help our school accomplish this.”