A good teacher might be able to teach you a subject and make it enjoyable, but a great teacher can make you fall in love with a subject.
National Teacher Appreciation Week kicks off May 5, 2025, and students are encouraged to show gratitude to their teachers for their hard work. Since the senior class is graduating and saying their final goodbyes, they were given a special opportunity to honor the Fresno Christian teachers who impacted them the most.
The following awards were thoughtfully-crafted and delivered to teachers on May 9 during Bible classes:
“If I was having a hard day, your office was always open; not just for me, but for many others. You are and will remain one of my most memorable teachers and models in some of the roughest years of my life.”
-Honored by Angel Bunker
“You have had a positive impact on me through your constant love and support, especially when I received my mom’s diagnosis news; you were always there for me and checked in on me to see how I was doing!! You’re always giving me encouraging words that make me feel like I can accomplish anything, and it’s definitely helped me a lot!”
-Honored by Aden Millwee
“I looked forward to all three periods I had with you daily, even when you ran out of good candy. You always let me talk about anything happening in my life, and never made me feel like you didn’t care. Thank you!”
-Honored by Angel Bunker
“Your daily Proverbs encouraged me to dig deeper and ask thoughtful questions about the wisdom I am reading. You patiently answer all my biblical questions with kindness and without judgment. Your gentle spirit and exceptional teaching make learning both meaningful and inspiring.”
-Honored by Kennedy Wyatt
“You have positively impacted me through your Bible lessons, especially the Proverbs that we do every day, which have helped me understand verses more, put them into a bigger perspective and help me appreciate God more for what he has done in my life. You also make learning more fun with the warm-up cards we do every day and the ‘forced family fun’ activities.”
-Honored by Aden Millwee
“Your impact on me is from how you were also so positive and generous, always displaying Christ-like kindness. You were my first teacher at Fresno Christian, and you are what led me to stay at FCS.”
-Honored by Tyler Hamm
“Your mind is truly brilliant, and I’m sad I only got a small glimpse of it. Your wisdom, both in science and in faith, has left a lasting mark on my heart. The way you connect knowledge and truth is something I will treasure forever.”
-Honored by Kennedy Wyatt
“Your kindness has touched my life deeply. Praying with me before surgery and visiting just to show you care meant more than words can say. You’ve shown me that true leaders lead with love. I’m beyond grateful for you; thank you for being such a genuine blessing in my life.”
-Honored by Ava Bishel
“You have transformed the way I write. You always take the time to read my work, gently guiding and encouraging me until my words reflect my heart. You understand what I’m trying to say and help me say it clearly. I will always carry your lessons with me.”
-Honored by Kennedy Wyatt
“Your impact on me came from your unique approach to disciplining me and how you were always so kind and discerning when doing so. You are always so positive.”
-Honored by Tyler Hamm
“I have been in your class for all four years of high school, and you have strengthened me both physically and spiritually. You are a reliable source of wisdom about the Christian faith and how to properly perform a deadlift. Thank you!”
-Honored by Laina Penland
“You have revitalized the music department and brought fun back to making music. You truly care for each and every student, long after they go on to other things. You check in on everyone, and can tell when someone isn’t doing great. You’re talented, a woman of faith and make accommodations for anyone who needs them. You have incredible strength and dedication and are truly the best director and teacher I have ever had. In the words of Daft Punk, “You bring life back to music.”
-Honored by Grace Tienken
“You positively impacted me through teaching me new life skills that I can use in college and for the rest of my life. You always have great energy, a big smile on your face and you make learning more fun.”
-Honored by Aden Millwee
“I have done choir for three years, and it is always a highlight to say ‘hello’ to you. You are so encouraging and so knowledgeable in the subject of choral music. You make learning harmony easy to understand while also having fun.”
-Honored by Laina Penland
High school English teacher, Melanie Portwood, organized the event inspired by the Jostens Yearbook Honorary Diploma initiative to encourage students to celebrate their teachers. She wanted the seniors to have the special opportunity to reflect and see the positive impact teachers and staff had on them.
“Often students do not take time to look back on the different influences in their life,” Portwood said. “With this opportunity they get a chance to write a heartfelt message to a teacher or staff member and personally deliver them, acknowledging the influence they had on their life.”
Leave a comment to let teachers or staff know how much you appreciate them!
To read more from The Feather visit Baseball and Softball celebrate dual senior night or Star Wars Revenge of the Sith returns to theaters across America, breaking hearts and records.
