Mr. Gravett gives Madelyn Nelson a hug during Friday's Teacher Appreciation event.
One of the great traditions at Ottumwa High School is honoring staff members who have had an impact on the lives of our student athletes. The seniors were asked to write a short tribute to the educator who had made the biggest difference in their lives. This could be a current teacher at OHS, a teacher from middle or elementary school, or any Ottumwa School District staff member who has made a positive impact on that student. Seventeen staff or former staff members were recognized during Teacher Appreciation Night on January 22 between the girls' and boys' varsity basketball games.
"Twenty-two students had a chance to honor a staff member who has had a positive impact on their lives during their years as students in the Ottumwa Community Schools," said OHS principal, Mark Hanson. "The students' testimonials were heartfelt tributes to their teachers. This ceremony made me proud not just to be principal at Ottumwa High School, but to be a member of a tremendous school district. Congratulations to all teachers and staff members who received this prestigious honor. Knowing that they were able to influence their students in a positive way is what teachers live for. This award meant more to teachers than any paycheck."
Basketball player, Georgia Garrett, nominated Evans Middle School math teacher, Mr. Larry Zuehlke as her teacher of impact. Georgia states…
Mr. Zuehlke has changed the way I approach my schoolwork in so many ways. He was the first techer to make math fun and created an atmosphere in his classroom where all of his students could be comfortable. I’ll never forget how much fun I had in his first period Algebra 1 class and the positive impact it has had on my schoolwork since. Thanks Mr. Zuehlke for everything you have done for me and the countless other students in Ottumwa.
Basketball player, Kaleigh Schreiner, nominated one of her elementary school teachers, Ms. Kari Swartz. Kaleigh states…
Mrs. Swartz was my 5th grade teacher at Wildwood Elementary. She introduced me to my love of reading by encouraging me to join Book Bowl. She went above and beyond her duties as a teacher to help me find subjects that I really enjoy. She was always there to help with “girl drama” or just to talk. Thank you, Mrs. Swartz for being an important person in my life.
Basketball manager, Roxana Zeledon, nominated OHS Spanish teacher, Mr. Mark Voelliger as her teacher of impact. Roxana states…
I have really appreciated being both a student and teacher assistant to Mr. Voelliger. When I was a sophomore and taking Spanish 4 with a bunch of seniors, I was very intimidated, but Mr. Voelliger made sure I felt comfortable. I learned the “weird” vosotros from and made many fun memories during my time in Spanish 4. I now enjoy being back in his classroom as a teacher assistant with freshmen. He has positively impact my life by making learning fun and enjoyable. I have been able to learn so much and made countless memories in his classroom. He has truly impacted my high school career. Thanks Mr. Voelliger.
Basketball player Rachel Zingg nominated OHS Spanish teacher, Ms. Juliana Durr as her teacher impact. Rachel states…
Mrs. Durr impacted my life by being a great teacher. She went beyond just teaching me Spanish verbs and vocabulary. In Mrs. Durr’s class, I gained confidence by singing along to Selena and by giving presentations about the Day of the Dead. I also gained unforgettable life experiences by going to Costa Rica with her my junior year for a class trip; a trip that would not have happened without Mrs. Durr. I’m so glad I got to have her as a teacher for two years because I’ve learned so much. Thanks Mrs. Durr.
Basketball player, Jovanta Bays, nominated OHS teacher, Mr. Nick Stout as his teacher of impact. Jovanta states…
Mr. Stout is a cool teacher and he has helped me with everything at Ottumwa High. He gets on me if I’m missing an assignment or if I’ve missed class. When I walk in the classroom, he always talks to me and he makes class a lot of fun. Thanks, Mr. Stout.
Basketball manager, Olivia Jeffrey, nominated elementary teacher, Mrs. Kathie Mason as her teacher of impact. Olivia states…
Mrs. Mason was my kindergarten teacher. Ever since, she has been a friend to me. She taught me the importance of school and has always pushed me to do my best. I know if I ever need anything, I have her to count on. I can’t ever thank her enough for all she has done for me. Thanks Mrs. Mason.
Basketball player, Hunter McCoy, nominated former Eisenhower Elementary teacher and current Douma Elementary kindergarten teacher, Ms. Kim Muchow as his teacher of impact. Hunter states…
Ms. Muchow was my kindergarten teacher at Eisenhower Elementary. I nominate her partly because of the impact she has had on my life, but also my way to apologize for her being the first teacher to have to put up with my shenanigans. She also gave me the idea that school could be fun – from watching “Between the Lions” to listening to her read “Junie B. Jones”. Even now, when I see Ms. Muchow, she always goes out of her way to say “Hi” and talk. I’m not sure if she’s being friendly or just remembered something else to tell my parents I got in trouble for, but she always is very friendly. Thanks Mrs. Muchow.
Basketball player, Matthew Moreland, nominated former Horace Mann Elementary teacher, Mrs. Ann Milani, as his teacher of impact. Matthew states…
I nominated Mrs. Milani as a teacher who has made an impact on my life. Mrs. Milani was my first grade teacher at Horace Mann. She recognized my aptitude for math and taught me first and second grade math in the same year. I greatly appreciate the extra time and work she put in. Because of this, I went on to participate in math competitions during middle school and have continued to take advanced math classes during high school. I will most likely pursue a career using math and science.
Mrs. Milani was always a very positive teacher. She made learning fun and interesting. I can still remember some of the words to the Can-Can Dance, which she used to get us to pay attention in class. I know that Mrs. Milani has not only impacted my life, but hundreds of other former students’ lives as well. Thank you, Mrs. Milani for being such a wonderful teacher.
Basketball player, Sam Moreland, nominated OHS business teacher, Mr. David Becker as his teacher of impact. Sam states…
Mr. Becker was my Accounting 1 teacher last year and is currently my Accounting 2 teacher this year. Throughout my years in school, I can confidently say that Mr. Becker has been my favorite teacher. His class is always very enjoyable and he makes learning fun, to go along with his great sense of humor. Being funny is not what makes him my favorite teacher though; it is the life lessons he has taught me. He has taught me about perseverance and never giving up. He has had a huge impact on the person I am today. Thanks, Mr. Becker.
Basketball manager, Madelyn Nelson, nominated one of her elementary teachers, Mr. Chris Gravett, as her teacher of impact. Maddie states…
Without a doubt, the teacher who has had the most positive impact on my life is Mr. Gravett. He was both my 5th and 6th grade teacher. He believed in me when I didn’t believe in myself. He always encourages me when I’m struggling, he motivates me to work harder and believe in myself. In 8th grade he encouraged me to take the position of basketball manager. It is obviously something that I have really enjoyed, as this is now my fifth year! Throughout the years, Mr. Gravett and I have become very close. He has had a big impact on my life since I was in 3rd grade and he teased me about not knowing how to spell my name (not true by the way).
One of the worst days of my life was the day that Mr. Gravett told me that he had cancer. As I was crying in fear, he looked at me and said, “I’m going to be just fine. You can’t get rid of me that easy.” Throughout this awful experience, Mr. Gravett and his family showed me what it’s like to stay positive when it seems that things can’t get worse. Although that was one of the worst days of my life, the best day of my life was the day he told me he was cancer free. It was such a huge relief to me and I was so happy for him and his family. Tears of joy rolled down my face. The Gravetts have made me feeli like I am really part of their family. I can go to them for anything that I would ever need and for that, I am forever grateful. Mr. Gravett has shown me what it’s like to be the best person you can possibly be. Without Mr. Gravett, I don’t know where I would be right now. Thank you for everything you have done and will continue to do. I am forever grateful.
Basketball player and exchange student, Jorge Rodriguez, nominated OHS chemistry teacher, Mr. Kevin McGinity as his teacher of impact. Jorge states…
The first five months at OHS have passed by pretty quickly. To me, it seems like yesterday when I remember first going through those doors. That’s what happens when you feel comfortable, when you feel like you’re at home. I can’t possibly thank everybody that this happen, so today, I’d like to recognize Mr. McGinity. Whit his effort and dedication, he has made every step of the way as smooth as it could be. And with his energy and enthusiasm, he has made Chemistry class not only a great place to learn, but very enjoyable. Mr. McGinity is well loved among the student body and certainly deserves this award. Thanks Mr. McGinity.
Basketball player, Gage Ryder, nominated former OHS social studies teacher, Mrs. Barb Waller as his teacher of impact. Gage states…
Mrs. Waller was my 9th grade world geography teacher. Her class was always one of my favorites, whether we were doing something as a class or individually, she made it fun. Even her retirement did not take away from her help for kids. I remember her saying that if we ever had a problem, school-related or not, she would be there to help. To this day, we are still friends on Facebook and I will be forever grateful for having a wonderful teacher like Mrs. Waller. Thanks, Mrs. Waller.
Basketball player, Jalen Strunk, nominated OHS Spanish teacher, Mr. Mark Voelliger as his teacher of impact. Jalen states…
Mr. Voelliger has had a positive impact on my life ever since he coached me during middle school football. I’m very fortunate to have had him as a Spanish teacher during freshman and senior years. Mr. Voelliger has always made his classroom a fun learning environment because o fhis enjoyable and outgoing personality. He has made learning Spanish a fun and exciting experience for me. I appreciate everything Mr. Voelliger has done for me and I am truly grateful to have had him as a teacher. Gracias, Profe Voelliger!
Basketball manager, Renato Zjnilovic, nominated OHS math teacher, Mrs. Brooke Fischels, as his teacher of impact. Renato states…
Mrs. Fischels is my favorite teacher. She always brightens my day every time I enter her class. Whenever she sees me, she always shows me a smile. She makes students feel like she really wants them in her class, and I am lucky to be one her students. Mrs. Fischels is funny and is an awesome teacher. I remember last year when she told me her favorite math symbol was PI!
Mrs. Fischels motivates me to get my highest score in algebra class. It really makes her happy to see A’s on my tests and when she hands the tests back. She has always encouraged me and makes me feel successful in math. Thanks Mrs. Fischels.
Cheerleader, Miranda Bower, nominated OHS teacher, Ms. Debb Kent, as her teacher of impact. Miranda states…
Ms. Kent has positively impacted my life because she has shown me that if I work hard and try my best, I can do anything. She genuinely cares about my well being and wants me to do my best. Without her, I wouldn’t be pushing myself to do more challenging classes and activities. I am thankful that I have her as a cheer coach and teacher. Thank you for pushing me to be my best and always supporting me, Mrs. Kent.
Cheerleader, Christian Burgess nominated OHS teacher, Ms. Debb Kent as his teacher of impact. Christian states…
I have chosen Mrs. Kent to be recognized for this award. Mrs. Kent did something for me that I will always remember…she opened winter cheerleading tryouts because I told her that I wanted to try cheerleading and maybe even do it in college. Without her, I wouldn’t have gotten the chance to experience cheer and discover how much fun it really is. Thanks Mrs. Kent.
Cheerleader, Esther Hazanas, also nominated OHS teacher, Ms. Debb Kent, as her teacher of impact. Esther states…
I chose Ms. Kent because she is my teacher and coach. She has a really positive attitude and I enjoy the way she teachers her class. She is smiling most of the time and that makes the class fun. Also, we are “graduating together” this year and I think she is the one that deserves this award before she retires. Thanks Mrs. Kent.
Cheerleader Nathanael Leege nominated OHS vocal music teacher, Mr. Dennis Vasconez as his teacher of impact. Nathanael states…
Mr. Vasconez has had an impact on my life ever since my freshman year. He convinced me to join choir second semester of 9th grade. Since then, he has pushed me and all o fhis choirs to a higher level. He has made me a better musician and a better person, helping me achieve my goal of becoming an Iowa All State musician. Those experiences also influenced me to choose exactly what career path I want to pursue. I want to become a music teacher and see every student I teach start to fall in love with music as much as I have. I can’t express and thank Mr. Vasconez enough for everything he has done for me and for all of the Ottumwa High School’s choirs. Thanks, Mr. Vasconez.
Cheerleader, Katlyn Palmer, nominated elementary school teacher, Mrs. Kathie Mason, as her teacher of impact. Katlyn states…
I attended Douma Elementary from preschool to fifth grade. Mrs. Mason was my kindergarten teacher. Not only did she encourage me to do better, she was a mother figure to me – not just in kindergarten but through the rest of my years of elementary. Any time I needed someone, Mrs. Mason would always be there. She made it well known that I could reach out to her when in need and I can’t thank her enough for it. Thanks again, Mrs. Mason.
Cheerleader, Elynna Perry nominated OHS English teacher, Ms. Natalie Saunders as her teacher of impact. Elynna states…
Not only does Mrs. Saunders take time out of her day to greet each and every student, but she put in a 12 hour plus day as she works at school helping her students become better speakers and improving our drama department. I’m so thankful to have Mrs. Saunders always pushing me to that high level because she has helped me become the very best high school student I can be. She’s the best. Thanks Mrs. Saunders.
Cheerleader, Mikala Roberts nominated Evans Middle School math teacher, Mr. Larry Zuehlke. Mikala states…
Mr. Zuehlke was always helpful and full of patience. He is understanding and will do everything he can to help his students understand math. He is always full of jokes and loves to laugh. He never gives up on people and gives up his own time to talk to students. He is a caring individual and I am glad he was my teacher. Thanks Mr. Zuehlke.
Cheerleader, Alina Hohensinger nominated OHS associate, Mrs. Ninian Farrell as her staff member of impact. Alina states…
Every time I see Mrs. Farrell, she has a smile on her face. She is such a happy person, and I know I can always come to her. I am grateful to have a person like Mrs. Farrell in my life. Thanks, Mrs. Farrell.
