Favorite Teachers

My idea of education is to unsettle the minds of the young and inflame their intellects

 ~Robert Maynard Hutchins

The man who sparked my passion for history, my first real teacher was Mr Jack. As a man who advocates true intellect, he forced his students to question the source, to use our minds first before perusing Google. This man taught me how to be a student, including the rewards for being intellectually curious. I just want to thank him for giving me other reasons to branch out, and allowing me to be myself in his class.

Mr. Ciulla is the Godfather of all Musical Band Directors. In the eighties, he started the Medina Musical Bees when there were only forty members. Today, the Musical Bees is a state-winning ensemble with over three-hundred members. His dedication and enthusiasm has allowed me to push myself in new directions as a musician, finding my own niche in music. Thank you Mr. Ciulla for instilling a life-long love in art.

I never thought such simplicity could teach me so much. Coach Wright was definitely influential in shaping my initial experience at R-S Central High School. His straightforward approach to teaching -and to life- allowed me to quickly transition from Ohio to North Carolina. Not only has this man taught me enough United States History to last me a lifetime, but he has also taught me the simplicities of life as well, something I truly appreciate .

There is no way for me to adequately express my thanks to Mrs. Putnam and Mrs. Pittman. Their love and concern for their students is genuine, and I am so grateful that I have been able to get to know them these past two years while at Central:

Having a teacher that truly believes in you when you’re not sure if you believe in yourself is very encouraging, and Mrs. Putnam did just that. She encouraged me to be myself, to return back to my roots, and I know there will never be enough thank you’s said to help me truly express my gratitude for the help she has provided, both musically and otherwise .

I still worry that no matter what I do, I will just not be ready for college. That my persistence will not last, and that one day, the well of knowledge will dry up and I will reach my peak. However, when I consider my apathetic nature towards school this past year ( more commonly known as senioritis) and still, the material Mrs. Pittman has taught me even at my most questioning states, I know that she has prepared me for future learning. Mrs. Pittman has not only shown  me generosity and understanding, but has taught me so much about preparation and keeping up good spirits, and that is something I will definitely carry on throughout my future endeavors. Thank you so much for keeping me motivated when I lacked all enthusiasm.