Susan Varney, Cathy Winningham and Melinda Brooks, teachers at McKamy Middle School with students Ethan Elmer, Jonah Parker, Eric Wade, Dade Brinkerhoff, Elana Hill and Talmage Hall. (Photo by Clairissa Cooper)
It was the teachers’ turn to be served.
Flower Mound youth, ages 12-18, honored their teachers and coaches Wednesday with a teacher appreciation dinner at The Church of sus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Over 40 teachers were escorted to white-linen tables filled homemade food and surrounded by students eager to share the evening with them. A few of the students wrote tributes to their teachers and read them aloud at the special dinner, which included music, inspirational messages, and a slideshow.
Belinda Manz, an English/Language Arts teacher at Shadow Ridge Middle School, was noted for teaching character beyond curriculum.
“The real reason I look up to her is because she has an amazing perspective on forgiveness,” said Max Lloyd, an 8th grader at Shadow Ridge Middle School. “Every day she gives each student a new chance. Miss Manz has given me a new perspective.”
Belinda Manz, a teacher at Shadow Ridge Middle School and Max Lloyd, an 8th grader at Shadow Ridge. (Photo by Clairissa Cooper)
Sarah Wood, a senior at Flower Mound High School, honored Rachel Chesney, a registered Medical Assistant and teacher at the Dale Jackson Career Center.
“When teachers care more about the student than the grade, it makes all the difference,” said Wood. “Teachers truly help shape us to be the person we will become. They prepare us for the real world and inspire us to reach our goals.”
“It’s a great honor to have a student think of me as a teacher that brings value to them. It’s wonderful,” said Chesney.
Dr. Mark Rohwer is a repeat honoree at the annual dinner, now in its 11th year.
“I love the event. It means a lot to be recognized by the kids for the work we do,” said Rohwer, Director of Choral Activities and Chair of the Performing Arts Department at Flower Mound High School.
By Clairissa Cooper
Clairissa Cooper is a freelance marketing professional and photographer. For The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, she serves as an Assistant Director of Communications – Media for the Dallas Coordinating Council.
Clairissa Cooper
