THE LONGVIEW VOICE — June 19, 2023
Page 11
LONGVIEW HIGH LAMPLIGHTER Ms. Barrett is an IB teacher that exemplifies her profession
By Catherine DaMoude Senior, Longview High
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hroughout my high school career, various people on the Longview High School campus have influenced me. As a student in the International Baccalaureate Programme, I have had the privilege of making strong relationships with my teachers and counselors because of the tight-knit IB community. However, one teacher has significantly impacted my life through her kindness and patience. Amy Barrett is not only a remarkable teacher, but she is also an exceptional role model for young men and women. Because Ms. Barrett creates a friendly environment in her classroom, I find myself having the desire to learn and succeed in her class. Inside the classroom, Ms. Barrett provides her classes with rigorous work
to prepare her students for college. Being in her Environmental Systems and Societies class during my junior and senior years taught me the importance of time management, communication, and critical thinking. Although her work is challenging and complex, her ability to help students understand the content is remarkable. Through her teaching, she inspires students in her class like me. Ms. Barrett has motivated me to be more environmentally friendly and sustainable. Her class has even influenced me to be the president of the LHS Environmental Club, a club that helps create an environmental spark in students’ lives. She inspires me to remain hardworking, for it will benefit me for the rest of my life. Ms. Barrett’s teaching, however, is not the only factor that makes her remarkable. She deeply cares about her students and genuinely wants them to
FOREST ||Continued Continued from page 5 he has taught me, I would not have learned the principles that guide my life today. One of the qualities I admire most about Coach Wilson is his ability to see the potential within a student. He does not just look at the physical qualities of a player; instead, he looks at their heart. I am not the biggest nor strongest player on the team, but I work hard and am determined to improve my skills. From day one, Coach Wilson saw those qualities in me and looked for ways to help me succeed on the field. He let me try various positions to see where I could best help the team and gave me a chance to lead my teammates. He has taught me that noticing and developing the potential within a person, whether on the team or in my community, can have a tremendous impact on an individual. Coach Wilson has shown my teammates and me that we are not just football players. We are also a family. This unity in our team is inspired by the relationship Coach Wilson has with his father. Coach Wilson’s father is at every game and occasionally will attend our practices, watching our development while also supporting his son. Without knowing or
succeed. She openly discusses how her classroom is a safe place for students. One time, I decided to discuss with her the challenges that I was facing in my life. I remember how she looked at me, so sincere and warmhearted, and said, “I am sorry.” Somehow she knew the perfect words to say to me when I felt no one could understand the conflict within my life. Her words and facial expressions were so sympathetic and concerned. At that moment, I knew that Ms. Barrett was one of the most special and genuine people I have encountered. Because of her ability not only to inspire students academically but also to inspire them personally, Ms. Barrett is more than deserving to receive the honor of this year’s Lamplighter Award. I am blessed to have Ms. Barrett as my teacher, for I will always remember her encouraging and uplifting words throughout my life.
EARLY ||Continued Continued from page 10 even trying, Coach Wilson and his father demonstrate the importance of being there for each other no matter the circumstance. When I began playing football in sixth grade, I did not have strong friendships or relationships with my teammates. However, after two and a half years, I have come to know my fellow team members on a personal level and have grown to understand that we are not just teammates; instead, we are a family. Because of Coach Wilson, I now have brothers I can rely upon. Throughout my life, I have played various sports and have had many different coaches but never one like Coach Wilson. He not only leads by example both on and off the field, but he also cares about his players and the young men they are becoming. He is kind and encouraging and holds us to a higher standard, allowing us to grow and develop into better players and people. Through these character qualities, Coach Wilson has pushed me to my limit, developed my potential, and showed me the importance of family. Clearly, through the impact Coach Wilson has had on every player he coaches, he is more than just a great coach; he is a true lamplighter!
looked at me; I was nervous and felt like I did not belong. Because I had been out of school for a month, I missed a lot of instruction and tests. I felt like school was a lost cause. Ms. Williams helped me regain my confidence, not only in school but also in my personal life as she pushed me to keep trying. I kept trying no matter how many times I failed because she reminded me that success would come. If I have a bad day or even a good day, I know that Ms. Williams will always be there cheering me on. Her encouragement is one of my biggest motivations and always will be. Ms. Williams deserves the Lamplighter Award because she is not just an educator or the school counselor; she is and always will be my hope. When things are dark, she is one I run to. She is my family, my best friend, and sometimes even my mom if I need her. Sometimes I wonder what kind of girl I would be if she had not taken a chance on me and seen the potential in me that I did not see in myself. Ms. Williams would be the ideal person for this award. She is the light of my life and my biggest cheerleader.
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