I’m really excited to be in this last chapter of school ready to graduate with my degree in architecture. It’s brought me so many different opportunities and challenges. Through this program, I had the opportunity to study abroad in Rome for a semester. It was truly a life changing experience.

 

Some of the most memorable D49 teachers for me are Mr. Brandon Ager, Ms. Theresa James, Mr. Sabell, and Mrs. Meg Pajtas. I think that Mrs. Pajtas and Mr. Sabell created a strong foundation for my education as my third and fifth grade teachers. Ms. James and Mr. Ager helped me create a stronger drive for education and really pushed me to do my best.

 

I was already interested in architecture before I graduated high school, but in Mr. Ager’s class, I was able to truly explore my own creativity and develop better drawing skills that I would be using in architecture school.

 

I’d like to thank everyone in D49 that has been influential in my life, including my teachers and my coaches. And thank you to Mrs. Pajtas for being one of the kindest people I know, and teaching little me to be well behaved and at least half as kind as she is.

 

I think that public education and teachers mean a great deal not only to a child’s development, but to their future. Educators have a great impact on their students, and their attitude and teaching mean a lot.

 

After high school, l I joined the military. I am a disabled vet, and when I got out of the service, I traveled and did hands-on learning in the entertainment industry working with artists such as Lee Brice and Toby Keith. I’ve lived in mansions and been homeless. The greatest milestone I ever hit was learning humility and to be grateful. I think the best job I have now though is being daddy to four incredible boys, two of which go to schools in the district.

 

Some of my favorite teachers aren't teachers anymore—John Lichtenburg and Joe Rausch, but there are a couple still floating around the halls. I had Mr. Wood in his first year of teaching, and I've always remembered something he told me after class one day. He told me that no matter what I did in life, the amount of effort I put into something is the amount of reward I'll get back. Also, Mr. Bowers … I never had him as an actual teacher, but he was a student teacher when I was at the “Creek.” The generation of students that came after me was lucky to have him as a teacher. Thank you to Mrs. Scarselli ... and to the man that mentored me through most of my adult life and always picks up a call. There are not words to say how thankful I am to have known Anthony Dwinell—my mentor far after high school and a lifelong friend.

 

You spend more time with teachers than your parents, in some cases. They really help mold who you are. Teachers may be teaching me about math or science, but they’re really teaching me much more than that from watching how they interact with students, to showing up to school functions. Teachers set the tone for students.

 

If I have the whole district to choose from, I choose Jody Price (I know she retired, but she’s still my choice). Jody has been a pillar in the D49 community since I was a second grader. What is there to say about this woman that hasn't been said before?! Amazing human.

 

Teachers are some of the most influential people in our kids’ lives. We need to take care of our educators to build a better society for tomorrow.

 

Some milestones that I’ve reached as an FHS alumna are graduating from the University of Colorado Colorado Springs with my bachelor’s degree in psychology, having a beautiful daughter, marrying my high school sweetheart, becoming a published author, and now working toward my master’s degree in a field that I am extremely passionate about! I am working toward becoming a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA).

 

My favorite teachers from FHS/D49 were Connie Michaels-Lipp and Thomas Russell. Mrs. Michaels-Lipp was my instructor for many courses within the health sciences program at Falcon. She taught me medical terminology and also helped my cohort through our CNA certifications. She is the epitome of compassion, and truly wanting her students to succeed and thrive. Mr. Russell was my teacher in technology courses. I’d specifically choose ones with him because he taught in a way that truly made sense for me. Even after graduating, Mr. Russell still has an invested interest in my success and has helped me earn various certificates in the world of information technology. Mr. Russell is someone who cares, not only about his students, but about their futures and the things that they’ll contribute to society. Both of these individuals are phenomenal mentors, and I am beyond grateful that I am able to keep in touch with them and share my successes with them, because they’ve both played an integral part.

 

My D49 teachers were influential in my journey because they all had a true interest in my passions. Even when I didn’t fully know what I wanted to do, they helped steer me toward things I was passionate about, and helped me piece things together until I could figure out what I wanted to do.

 

I’d like to thank everyone in D49 for their help. I was in D49 from kindergarten through my senior year in high school. Everyone that worked with me helped me get to where I am right now. I’d like to especially thank Mrs. Michaels-Lipp and Mr. Russell for their help, even after high school. I appreciate the effort that they’ve put into me, and I really hope they know that.

 

Teachers and public education matter because they play a fundamental role in shaping the future of individuals and society. Teachers inspire, educate, and guide students, fostering personal growth and critical thinking. Public education ensures equal access to knowledge, promoting social mobility and a more equitable society. Together, they lay the foundation for a brighter future!