By Joey Villarreal.
As a way to show appreciation for staff members, Dr Kelli Powell created the LifeSaver Award. Students may fill out a form to recognize their teachers through the school year.
The form is open for all students to express appreciation for teachers, administrators, counselors or any other staff.
“One of the things that contributed to your happiness is expressing gratitude,” Powell said. “In our profession, we play the long game. We never know the impact we have unless someone lets us know. Sometimes we are fortunate to hear from former students. By recognizing that one teacher, counselor, administrator, or staff member who impacted you this year, you not only let them know that what they do matters, but you also benefit by expressing that gratitude.”
Powell extended the closing of the form for a few extra days for students to express gratitude for our staff before the end of the year.
“Recently, I received a Facebook message from a former student on International Women’s Day,” Powell said. “Her kind words meant so much to me to know that I had impacted her in such a way that it changed her trajectory.
The form inspired junior Emiliee Thompson to recognize the criminal justice teacher, Lesley Bruce, as her lifesaver.
“He’s really just been there for everyone,” Thompson said. “You can really tell when you step into his class that he cares for everyone.”
Thompson explained that Bruce makes learning fun by incorporating real life stories to engage and teach his students, rather than going by a textbook. She explained that students feel comfortable with Bruce and in his classroom.
“I get really bad anxiety at random moments and his room is sort of a safe spot,” Thompson said. “He has made his room a safe place, not just for me, but for all of the students.”
The form will be available for a few extra days before the end of the day.
“Students should nominate their lifesavers just to show some recognition,” Thompson said. “It’s always good to appreciate and recognize the things our teachers do for us.”
Out of an act of kindness and gratitude junior Teresa Lopez recognized her assistant principal, Tracy Parker, as her lifesaver.
“My AP, Mrs. Parker, is very inspiring,” Lopez said. “She is always there for me and gives me motivation when I need it.”
This year is Parker’s second year at Abilene High and is already encouraging Lopez to excel in her work.
“She’s helped me in knowing I’m not alone and she always encourages me to work hard in school,” Lopez said. “She’s caring, kind, intentional, and very hardworking.”
Parker and Lopez’s relationship has grown.
“One time I was having a very hard day, I was crying, and she was just there to listen,” Lopez said. “She’s pushed me beyond my limits and has always reminded me I have people that care for me.”
Powell is a spirit administrator here on campus and encourages students to submit before it’s too late.
“It is important for students to let a staff member know if they had an impact on their success,” Powell said. “The LifeSaver recognition provides students, and staff, with the opportunity to let that person know that they did something that impacted them in a positive way.”
