Above and beyond

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Kelley said he knew he had a strong relationship with Pulis and Bosques, but hearing how they truly feel was amazing. “What the students don’t always realize is the positive impact that they have on our lives,” he said. “Opportunities like this not only highlight the outstanding achievements of our students, but also the wonderful impact that teachers [have] in shaping the lives of our students.”

When Megan Vega was a fifth-grader at Lenox Elementary School, her father was in a serious car accident. She said she lost all interest in schoolwork, but her teacher, Thomas Duffy, helped her stay on track. “Anyone who has had the honor of learning in Mr. Duffy’s classroom knows that he goes beyond his responsibilities as a teacher,” Vega said.

All of the teachers who were honored possess similar qualities, according to the student speeches. Many were recognized for their humor, others for their teaching practices, but all were singled out for their deep-rooted care for their students.

High school physics teacher Maurice Hayon said that being recognized by a student is always special. Senior Gbenga Akindejoye selected Hayon, saying that he was funny in the classroom while also showing an interest in every student. “For one of these students to choose me … as a teacher, it’s just a very humbling experience,” Hayon said.

Akindejoye also singled out Kerrylyn Xjimenez, his sixth-grade social studies and English teacher. One day after class, Akindejoye recalled, Xjimenez told him to be careful about whom he hung around with, saying he was nothing like them. Akindejoye said that his teacher’s comment didn’t click at the time, but two years later it became clear. “It was a simple quote that taught me a lot,” he said. “And one that showed me that you actually cared for me and I wasn’t just another student in your class.”

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