A Tribute To The Teachers

Between the entire administration changing, COVID, quarantine, masks, and much more, we have been through so much in the last few years at CB, not just as a community but globally as well. The students have had to learn how to adjust to being on screens all day everyday and losing so many essential parts of high school. When I think of quarantine and online school, I think of how it impacted people’s personal and academic lives. But I never stop to consider what the teachers went through.

The teachers had to sacrifice almost everything for the students. They had to learn all new teaching techniques, how to adjust to the online academic schedule, and had to keep lessons engaging in order to keep students interested. They truly do not get as much admiration as they deserve.

Walking around campus, I always say hello to teachers whom I have had in previous years and that have impacted me in positive ways. Christian Brothers has provided my peers and me with so many amazing teachers who have really influenced our growth. There are several staff members who have touched my and many others’ hearts.

As I was talking about the most influential and inspirational teachers with my friends, I realized there are many teachers who truly care about their students.

“Mr. [Danny] Delgado has been the most impactful because he is a caring teacher and pushes you to do your best no matter what. He makes you question and challenge yourself in the best way. Plus, every piece of advice he gives to you, it stays with you for all four years,” Angeline Picou (’22) says.

Some teachers have modeled that there are many ways to happily go about life and be successful at the same time.

“Mrs. [Maureen] Wanket has been the best to me because she’s taught ways of being a good person and also showed me how to be successful,” Sami Bateman (’22) tells me.

Some teachers have really lived life to the fullest and are just straight up interesting. Because they have experienced life, they always know how to respond to students’ struggles.

“Mr. [Kevin] Scully has been the most influential to me because he has always been friendly and nice. His life is so interesting and he always gives great advice,” Brenton Grandstaff (’22) states.

Numerous teachers have really built students’ characters and helped them find their true selves.

“Mr. [Jacob] Hunley ’96 has been my soccer coach all four years and taught me hard work pays off with great rewards” AJ Avalos (’22) said.

Countless teachers have helped students find and pursue their true passions. I had Mr. Dave Levasseur for chemistry Junior year and he helped me discover my love for science.

Nick Edgar (’22) had the same experience: “Mr. [Brendan] Hogan ’95 has inspired my future career choice greatly by giving me the opportunity to work on sports broadcasting and helping me out with it so much.”

There are so many teachers who relate and love their students like their own children. They create a place where students can be themselves and are able to talk about anything.

“Mr. [Christian] Bohm is a great teacher because he never loses hope in his students,” Brooklyn Lee (’22) tells me. “He encourages everyone to step out of their comfort zone and creates a judgement-free environment in his classroom. He is very understanding of our generation and has conversations with us about things in life other than music, such as mental health and other similar subjects. He is very wise and understands things very deeply.”

Sam Strachan (’23) and Jack Vicari (’23) feel similarly: “Mr. [Michael] Hood has been the most impactful because he cares about our mental health and does all that he can to alleviate stress from his students lives. He takes into consideration that we take more classes than just history.”

The teachers deserve more recognition for all of the things they do for us students. Over the last four years, I have become close with many teachers who have influenced my growth. Before graduation, CB seniors should reach out to the teachers who have made the biggest impact and thank them for all they have done.