The OHS volleyball team hosted Teacher Appreciation Night on Thursday, September 24. Senior players recognized eight Ottumwa educators who made a significant impact on their lives.
Loren Egbert nominated Kelci Eakins, high school counselor
Ms. Eakins has been there for me ever since freshman year of student council. From essay help, to now applying for colleges she has always been there for me. Whether she says “get a grip” or “not a fan”, she always knows what to say or how to cheer me up. She always saves me a bag of trail mix with extra “brown chips”. Thank you for all the laughs, daily lunch talks, and support these past 4 years. You are and will always be more than a counselor to me.
Avery Baumgartner and Ashley Jones nominated Larry Zuehlke, retired math teacher
Avery said: Mr.Zuehlke is the kind of teacher that makes your day easier and better. I started off my 8th grade year in pre-algebra, but Mr. Z saw my potential and moved me up to Algebra 1. I wouldn't be anywhere near where I am today academically without him, and cannot thank him enough for believing in me when I didn't believe in myself. Thank you.
Ashley said: Mr. Zuehlke was the first teacher who never doubted me for a second. Every time I wanted to give up he would push me to succeed. Freshman year I was struggling in geometry and he reached out to my mom offering to help me during his free time so that I wouldn’t lose my 4.0 GPA,, even though he was retired and had no obligation to go out of his way to help me. He goes above and beyond to make sure all of his students are successful and you can tell he genuinely loves helping and teaching others. To this day every time I see him he says “Still got your 4.0?” Thank you Mr. Zuehlke for making a difference in my life and giving me the mindset to never give.
Ally Paris nominated JoAnn Wegner, retired elementary teacher,
I chose Mrs. Wegner because she was always one of my favorite teachers growing up. Every day that I went to class she was always very kind and ready to teach. She would always push her students to do their best and have a positive outlook. I remember when I broke my wrist, that year she was very comforting and would let me stay in from recess with some of my friends. Overall I am very grateful to have been in her class and be taught by one of the kindest teachers I know. So I just want to say thank you for making 3rd grade such a great school year!
Chloe Shneckloth nominated Ann Weilbrenner, elementary teacher
Mrs. Weilbrenner was always there for me, and still is to this day. She is one of the most loving and helpful teachers, friends, and parents I have ever met. I still remember back in 5th grade when I had to write a paper about someone who impacted my life, and I chose her. Today, I still choose her. Thank you Mrs. Weilbrenner for everything you have done for me and for always being such a positive person. Thank you for always putting a smile on my face, you are the best.
Emma Weilbrenner nominated Kyle Roemerman, OHS English teacher
Mr. Roemerman is a great teacher but is someone who also taught me life lessons that I wouldn’t learn through a textbook. His class was unlike others because we would have real conversations about how our reading passages related to life. I also loved “tea time” when we talked about life and our problems. Mr. Roemerman gave me the best advice and was the coolest therapist! He wears his heart on his sleeve and encouraged me to embrace my emotions. He made me a better student and person. Not only is Mr. Roemerman a great teacher, he is an even better person.
Josie Vonderhaar nominated Laura Tucker Goemaat, science teacher and volleyball coach
Although I didn’t have Mrs. Goemaat as a classroom teacher, she has inspired me to work hard and make the most out of every situation. Coach Tucker has brought many new drills and ideas to practice making us a better team. Everyday she pushes me to become better even though sadly, that sometimes means conditioning. She pushes me on the court, but also has taught me that having fun and making memories with my team is also an important part of sports. She has brought many new traditions to the team this year helping us to become more united. Coach Tucker has not only helped me with the sport of volleyball but more importantly has taught me life lessons I will carry off the court. She always has a positive attitude and has shown me how to make the best out of every moment. Coach Tucker’s belief in working hard while not taking life too seriously are values I hope to instill in my life. Thank you Coach Tucker for believing in me and shaping me into the adult I hope to become.
Anne Guest nominated Brock Seemann, OHS biology teacher
I chose Mr. Seemann because he was not just a great teacher, he was also very supportive of my athletics. I always knew I could talk to him and he gave great advice. One piece of advice he gave me was not to worry about the other teams’ name. No matter who you play against, anyone can beat anyone if they work hard. I hope to have the same impact on my future students that he has had on me.
Klaire Hatfield nominated Mallary Simmer, elementary PE teacher and volleyball coach
Mallary has been an amazing coach and has helped me improve as a player as well as a person. She always makes me feel included and makes having her as a coach so much fun. I'm glad I get to spend my last year with such an amazing coach!
