By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

Geneseo Varsity Girls’ Basketball Coach Scott Hardison continues to carry on a tradition implemented by Geneseo High School teacher and former coach, Steve Brucher.

The tradition is saying “thank you” to educators (or coaches) who have been influential in the player’s life.

The players on this year’s team invited the person they chose to attend the recent Geneseo basketball game.

The educators and coaches were honored at the game, and when they were introduced, brief statements were read about each one and their relationship to the team member.

Brucher, a GHS history teacher, said he believes a student’s conduct in the classroom is reflected on the gym floor. Each year he was involved in coaching, he asked the senior members of his team to select an educator who has made an impact on their life.

One home game of the season is designated as a time for “Educator Appreciation.”

When Hardison took the reins of the team, the tradition was familiar to him. He said when he was a student at Alleman High School, the team members also chose an educator to be honored.

“I asked Brucher if it was okay to continue what he had started and he was in favor of that,” Hardison said.

Brucher and Hardison agree that the educators (and coaches) who are selected have been very important and influential in the lives of the young ladies and the “Educator Appreciation” time is a way of saying “thank you.”

Brucher said when he was in school, there was a “Teacher Appreciation Night,” when each player selected a teacher who had had an influence/impact on their life, or simply was one of their favorite teachers.

Each educator was given a plaque.

-Caiya Holke chose Michelle Craig . Caiya had Mrs. Craig for fourth grade. Mrs. Craig had a previous engagement and could not attend so Caiya was escorted by one of her coaches.

-Olivia Marshall selected Mrs. Nellie Bonham. Olivia is coached in track and field by Mrs. Bonham.

-Drew Kelly selected Dean Johnson. Drew had Mr. Johnson as his middle school assistant principal.

-Hanna Kreiner selected her mom, Carie Kreiner. Hanna has been taught and coached by her mom her whole life!

-Addison Snodgrass selected Michelle Schneden. Addison had Mrs. Schneden during her freshman year.

-Morgan Claerhout also selected Michelle Schneden. Morgan had Mrs. Schneden for English both her freshman and junior years.

-Carolanne Greene selected Brad Snider. Caroline had Mr. Snider as one of her sophomore basketball coaches.

--Mia Kelly selected Scott Christensen. Mia has Mr. Christensen as her pre-calc teacher this year.

-Addi Mills selected Kyle Morey. Addi had Mr. Morey as her fifth and seventh grade homeroom and math teacher.

-Lauryn Newkirk selected Fran Hirschfelder. Lauryn has Mrs. Hirschfelder as her chemistry teacher this year.

-Katlyn Seaman selected Bob Thomas. Katlyn had Mr. Thomas as her elementary PE teacher from 2010-2016.

NOW THE SENIORS:

-Danielle Beach chose Taylor Mathew to honor on Educator Night. “Mr. Mathew was Danielle’s seventh grade math teacher and one of her middle school track coaches. He has shown her how to be a committed teacher, an ideal role model, and a compassionate human being. In math class, Mr. Mathew had faith in Danielle when she needed it the most, and never gave up on her. No matter the question, he would e there to help with anything needed without hesitation. Mr. Mathew helped Danielle gain confidence and taught her perseverance in her academics as well as athletics. Right before the 4x400 eighth grade track state finals, he gave a great pep talk that helped the team win the race and led them to a state title. Mr. Mathew was Danielle’s teacher and coach for only two years in Middle School, but he made a huge impact on her life and helped shape her future. She will be forever grateful for the time and effort that he put toward helping her become the best, and especially for believing in her when she doubted herself.”

-Johnna Fulcher selected Brian Beach to honor on Educator Appreciation Night. “Brian has coached me in various sports throughout the years. He always helps try to make me the best player I can be on and off the court. Through the ups and downs in sports, Beach has always supported me. He has been a second Dad to me and I can’t thank him enough for all that he has done! Whether it’s his extraordinary hats, songs or dance moves – he’s sure to bring a smile to your face! Thank you Brian for being a great coach and person I can look up to! Thank you Coach Beach!”

-Allison Griffin chose Tara Laingen to honor on Educator Night. Mrs. Laingen has been her Step teacher for the last two years. She has been her biggest support system! She is very dedicated and passionate about her job. She has taught Allison how to advocate for herself and pushed her to do things she didn’t think she could do. When Allison needs help, whether it is school or personal issues, Mrs. Laingen is always there for her. Allison respects her advice even if it’s not what she wants to hear….”Mrs. Laingen is always straight forward with me.” – Allison values all the help and guidance on her college search and career path. She will carry the life skills and lessons Mrs. Laingen has taught her through high school to college and beyond. Allison is very grateful for you Mrs. Laingen.

-Addison Smith selected Miss Kim Anderson to honor on Educator Night because she has been an excellent math teacher during the past two years. Miss Anderson has made a difficult subject something to look forward to every day. She always makes sure students are on task and held accountable. She was 0065tremely helpful during times when math felt too confusing and always helped me understand the curriculum. Miss Anderson has always been a teacher I could count on to help me in any situation, whether that is school or not, she always gave me good feedback. Miss Anderson made math so much more fun than I thought it would ever be, and I enjoy her pushing me past my own expectations. She makes math fun! Thank you so much Miss Anderson!

-Annie Wirth chose her Government teacher, Mr. Mike Harrington, to honor on Educator Night. She feels he values all of his students, and recognizes their individual needs, strengths and weaknesses. Mr. Harrington always makes the time to ask me about my family, sports, and just life in general, and in those conversations Mr. Harrington has taught me a lot about life. I value him and see him as a role model, as do all of his students. He also is an excellent academic teacher, and I learned so much from him. I will always be grateful I had him as my teacher. Thank you Mr. Harrington!