By Grace Pisarik

The routine for high school students is the same cycle for four years. Wake up at around six, climb out of bed, maybe grab breakfast (if you’re feeling it), and put on clothes that you hope you didn’t wear within the past couple of days. Finally, you carry your 50 pound backpack out the door all within about 30 minutes. When you arrive at school, you sluggishly walk up the stairs, get to the top, take a deep breath, and walk to your classes for seven hours each day. Slowly, what energy you have dri

fts away after lunch making each class drag along, and the countdown to 3:15 begins.

What can we do to help these students? That is where the teachers come in. Every day, teachers have the chance to make a difference. As every student knows, we all have that one class we look forward to all because of the teacher. Teachers try to make our day just a little better by helping us resolve our problems or maybe teaching something us we maybe didn’t know. They give us kn

owledge we need for our lives and challenge us every day.

One of many influential teachers at Mount Vernon High School is English teacher, Leigh Ann Erickson. Mrs. Erickson has enjoyed watching her students discover new things about themselves and the world around them. “I hope that students will walk away from my classroom feeling confident enough to question the world around them, and believe that they can both make change and be changed.  I want them to learn how to be compassionate — how to care for themselves, the people around them, and people around the world.  I want them to take risks, to get to know people they might not otherwise know, and to do all things with a heart ready to listen,” said Mrs. Erickson.

While only teaching at Mount Vernon for three years, students have already learned so much from Mrs. Erickson. “Taking her classes caused me to view the world in a different way. I tend to look at things from a different perspective, more than just my own anyway. I feel like I’m more compassionate about certain subjects than I was before I took any of her classes,” said junior Ben McGuire.

“I know her personality and teaching style pretty well and feel super comfortable asking her for help or guidance throughout a class or any other issue,” said Katy Bellamy of Mrs. Erickson.

Another teacher that is impactful to his students is social studies teacher Ed Timm. Mr. Timm has been teaching high schoolers for 32 years. Just like many students at Mount Vernon, Mr. Timm was influenced by a teacher important to him, his dad. Mr. Timm strongly believes that telling life experiences helps students understand the big idea he’s trying to teach. “The biggest thing I want students to take away from my classes is to always be engaged and truly enjoy learning,” said Mr. Timm.

“He really taught me how to be a good leader and live life to the fullest every day,” said Aaron Barnhart. Not only is Mr. Timm a social studies teacher, he teaches his faith to students through FCA.

“He tells life stories in class that are interesting and funny. During FCA he influences my life. He gives great advice and talks about what you can do to be who you want to be,” said Brittany Darrow.

In addition, choir teacher Thad Wilkins has made a huge impact on his choir kids. “Mr. Wilkins pushed me outside of my comfort zone, and helped me to recognize my talent. He has helped me to accomplish some crazy things, and I’m so thankful for that,” said sophomore Haley Hepker.

As many know, Mount Vernon’s High School choir is one of the best in the state. A lot of this has to do with Wilkins and how he can connect with his students on a different level. “My favorite moments are always when a student or students discover that they are capable of something that previously thought not possible.  To see the joy and self-awareness that brings is something pretty special,” said Mr.Wilkins.

“He devotes all of his time to us and every day he motivates us to be better than we were yesterday,” said junior Lisa Blythe.

“He taught me to believe in my capabilities and was always willing to talk about life after high school, bringing in his real life experiences to help,” said senior Theresa Gruber-Miller.

To every teacher out there, thank you for making a difference in your students lives. Not only do they teach us knowledge we need for our careers and future, they are always there for advice and a helping hand.