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.
Theme for the night was “You Make a Difference,” and 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, implemented the Educator Appreciation Night and 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.
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 at the recent GHS/United Township High School girls’ game.
-Drew Kelly chose Nick Verbeck who is his CTE teacher at GHS.
-Madison Reade chose Judy Kanke who was a teacher she had when she attended St. Malachy’s School.
-Katy Wilson selected Heather Francque who was a teacher of hers during her time at St. Malachy’s School.
-Kendall Ellerbrock chose Jennifer Lindberg who she had for Spanish.
-Payton Snider chose Fran Hirschfelder who she had as a Chemistry teacher.
-Addison Snodgrass also selected Fran Hirschfelder who she also had as a Chemistry teacher.
-Hanna Kreiner chose Cole Hartman who is her church youth group leader.
LADY LEAF SENIORS:
-Morgan Claerhout chose Margaret Yager and said, “Coach Margaret Yager has been my coach for the past two basketball seasons as well as my tennis coach this year. I chose Coach Yager as my educator because she has shown me what it is to be a kind human being toward everyone. I admire how caring she is to each player she coaches and that she puts others before herself. She always has a bright smile on her face and is spreading positivity to the entire team. Coach Yager has shown me how to look on the bright side of difficult matters, and persevere through any mental hardships that come with playing a sport. I appreciate being able to go to her about anything. She will answer any questions I may have in order to better my skills on and off the court. I am forever grateful to have her as one of my coaches.”
-Carolanne Greene chose Michelle Schneden to honor for Educator Night. Mrs. Schneden was her English teacher her freshman and junior years. She has been a role model for Carolanne and someone she could always look up to, whether it was helping with school work or pushing her to be the best version of herself, Mrs. Schneden was always there for her ad always believed in her. Carolanne has learned so much from Mrs. Schneden, her kindness, optimism, and support has made a great impact in her life and Carolanne will forever be grateful to have been able to have a teacher like Mrs. Schneden.
-Caiya Holke has chosen Jena Avea to honor on Educator Appreciation Night. Mrs. Avea was Caiya’s Spanish teacher her freshman and sophomore years. She was a passionate teacher and a supportive person. Mrs. Avea was very compassionate toward her students and truly wanted the best for them. She was not only an amazing teacher, but also a great human being. She was able to relate to her students in a different way, and truly understood them. She tended each student’s needs differently and was very open. Mrs. Avea was a vey easy person to go to and ask questions and always helped her students. She was always there if anyone needed anything, people knew that her door was always open. Caiya is very grateful to have such a role model in her life. Caiya will carry the lessons she learned form Mrs. Avea with her throughout life.
-Mia Kelly chose her dad, Ryan Kelly to honor on Educator Night. Mr. Kelly has coached Mia in a variety of sports since she started competing. He has taught her to always have a good work ethic and keep a positive mindset. Because Mr. Kelly has encouraged Mia to never stop practicing, she has gained discipline and confidence in every one of her sports. Her dad taught her the importance of being a good teammate and respecting her coaches, opponents, and refs. While these lessons shaped her into a better athlete, they also guided her into becoming a better person. Mr. Kelly is always ready to share the hard truth whether she wants to hear it or not. He has been Mia’s biggest supporter and given her strength and advice when she’s needed it most. Mia could not be more grateful for the opportunity to have her dad as a coach throughout her life. She will carry the memories they had and lessons he taught her to college and beyond
-Olivia Marshall chose Mike Harrington to honor on Educator Night. Mr. Harrington was Olivia’s middle school discus coach, AP Government teacher, and now Grow Your Own teacher. Mr. Harrington has taken great lengths to allow Olivia to be successful not only in the discus ring, but also as an inspiring teacher. Mr. Harrington has become a huge role model in Olivia’s life, and is inspiring her to be a great teacher like he is. He has sacrificed so much for her and her classmates, and she is very grateful for all of the time and effort he has put into the new program. Mr. Harington has never given up on Olivia and her goals, and is always there for her for whatever she needs. She will always look up to Mr. Harrington as she pursues her career in education and will never forget the valuable lessons he has taught her. Mr. Harrington is very dedicated to every one of his students and is truly the best teacher anyone could ask for!
-Addie Mills chose Brad Snider to honor on Educator Night. Coach Snider was Addie’s sophomore basketball coach. He has shown her how to be a good role model and has proven to Addie that anything is possible if you want it badly enough. He was never afraid to push her to her max. Coach Snider has believed in her and made her feel unstoppable even when others have doubted her. He goes out of his way to talk to her and has always been encouraging throughout her growing process. Coach Snider has always been one of Addie’s biggest fans, and always reassures her when she needs it. He has been a great example and always has advice for her on, and off the court. Addie loves the way he is patient, but not afraid to go back and forth with her if they have a disagreement. Coach Snider has not only been a great coach, but has influenced her in many ways and helped her shape her future. Addie will forever be grateful for the time and effort that he has put toward helping her become the best person possible.
-Katlyn Seaman has chosen to honor Kim Rivera, who was Katlyn’s kindergarten teacher at Millikin Elementary School, and who began Katlyn’s education and gave her faith in a successful career. Rivera’s son and Katlyn’s brother were in the same grade so they often saw each other outside of the classroom setting. Always Rivera was happy to chat, as well as her husband was, who’d given Katlyn a favorite nickname of “princess.” Rivera always has a smile on her face and a positive attitude making her a great role model. She is someone Katlyn has always looked up to for her involvement with students and the community. She is one of the teachers that is truly committed to providing the best for her students. Katlyn now looks forward to the occasions in which she can give Rivera a hug and briefly catch up.
