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THE LONGVIEW VOICE — June 19, 2023
EARLY GRADUATION LAMPLIGHTER
Ms. Williams’ makes her students feel safe and cared for By Jaliyah Gourie Senior, Early Graduation
T
he Lamplighter Award is an award presented to educators who have shown how amazing they are at their jobs, but what about those educators who go above and beyond? Those are the ones who talk to their students, who are determined to see them succeed, and who are not afraid to dig into the students’ personal lives to make sure they succeed. Ms. Williams is one of those educators who are not afraid to step outside their comfort zone. When I first came to Longview Early Graduation High School, I had no interest in learning anything. I felt like there was nothing at the school for me, especially after being out of school for so long. I felt hopeless. The number of times I had people in my ear telling me I would never be anything or that I was already a failure in life was countless. I was stressed and depressed and eventually stopped caring. That was until one day when I walked into school crying. Ms. Williams saw me and pulled me aside and sat me down. In the beginning I did not know how to feel or if I could even trust talking to her, but she sat there—still—and waited for me to talk. Eventually I did. I felt safe and cared for, feelings I had not had for a long time. She provided that comfort for me. Soon she was pushing
me even harder in school so I could earn my high school credits and graduate. She was my hope when I did not have any, and for that I will be forever grateful. Unfortunately, in January I had a bad accident that took its toll on my mental and physical health. I felt very abnormal. While other
people pitied me, Ms. Williams never did. At one point I felt as if I would forever be the girl others pitied, but Ms. Williams never let me see myself as that. On my first day back at school, I was still in a wheelchair. Everyone Early||Continued to page 11 Early
JUDSON LAMPLIGHTER Mrs. Stewart listens and comforts her students when they are struggling
By Jakyrha Anthony Eighth Grade, Judson
H
ave you ever met a teacher who cared about their students as if they were her children? Here at Judson STEAM Academy, Mrs. Stewart treats us all like we are one of hers. I have known Mrs. Stewart ever since I was in elementary school. She has always been known as a really understanding person. She is a good listener who encourages students, especially when students struggle to learn. Mrs. Stewart is the type of teacher who gives us advice, and she is the person students go to for comfort. One day I was having a hard time because others were making fun of me about being dyslexic. I felt like I was at a breaking point because I was embarrassed. Then Mrs. Stewart told me how it was okay to be dyslexic and how no one else’s opinion matters. Even though I learn differently than other students learn, Mrs. Stewart made me feel comfortable in my own skin and made me feel comfortable to be myself. When I was in her class during my sixthgrade year, she always pumped her students up, pushing them on when they found it hard to understand. She always tried her hardest to help her students by
reviewing their work with them until they understood. She always had ideas for her students so that learning and assignments became easier for them. She understood their learning struggles. Mrs. Stewart is a very kind-hearted
person who needs to be more appreciated for all she does for her students. I am incredibly grateful to have had her as a teacher. I certainly would not be as confident about myself today if I had not met her.
