Tyrrell is The Scroll advisor. Throughout this whole year she has been working behind the scenes this whole year to give you the articles that you read every single month. Us, at The Scroll, thought she needed some spotlight this month. Tyrrell, Thank you for everything.
To our readers,
Most of you guys know who we are, but most of you don't know the amazing person behind the scenes. Tyrrell, The Scroll advisor has done so much for us this past year. Here is what our amazing advisor does: Edits The Scroll articles, is our school mother who helps us when we get too stressed, looks over our article ideas, yells at us (mostly Deenie and Milan) when we do too much. This isn't even a fraction of what she does for us, I would be here forever if I listed everything. But she doesn't get a lot of recognition in these articles so we thought we would surprise her. Here is your recognition, Tyrrell. We appreciate you so incredibly much. More than words could ever describe. Thank you for everything.
I thought student interviews wouldn't be enough so I got some of your teacher friends to answer some questions about you. I hope this makes you smile as much as you make us smile every meeting.
Who is Jennifer Tyrrell to you?
Jenny Tyrrell is one of the most caring, honest, dedicated, heart-felt people I know. She is an amazing colleague and an even better friend. In her crazy life, her dedication to so many is awe-inspiring.
When did you first meet Jennifer Tyrrell? What were your initial thoughts? Have they changed?
Oh man. I’m not sure if I’ve told Mrs. Tyrrell this…I’m sure I have. When we first met, I knew that she was a passionate person immediately. She jumped into teaching at GPHS with both feet. I actually remember telling someone that Mrs. Tyrrell would be fantastic to work with, but that we weren’t going to be BFFs (that’s literally what I said). Very soon after, however, we were BFFs - if she says we aren’t, she’s lying and I’m crying.
What is your favorite memory of her?
I’m not sure I have just one. I think my favorite memory/thing about her is her attention to your life. She just cares. I miss sharing a wall with her. Not being able to yell at her through our wall makes my day just a little bit sadder.
How has having Tyrrell in your life made it better?
Mrs. Tyrrell has made me a better teacher and a better person. She is by your side to support you in your struggles and to cheer with you in your triumphs.
What is something you want her to know?
I want Jenny to know that I am grateful for her. My life would be a little greyer without her.
Who is Jennifer Tyrrell to you?
Jenny Tyrrell is not only a coworker, but a good friend.
When did you first meet Jennifer Tyrrell? What were your initial thoughts? Have they changed?
I met Jenny when she started teaching at GPHS, and I knew from the get go that she would be an amazing person to work with. Those first impressions have been proven correct, but I also have a deeper appreciation for Jenny as a friend after years of working together and sharing mom experiences.
What is your favorite memory of her?
Oh goodness; I have SO many great memories with Jenny; it’s hard to choose just one time. From visiting together at daycare to playdates to breakfasts and dinners, every time with Jenny is fun.
How has having Tyrrell in your life made it better?
Wow-there are so many ways that Jenny has enriched my life. We are not only coworkers, but friends. Jenny and I were pregnant at the same time and shared many milestones in motherhood together. Jenny has listened when I needed a friend to vent to, she’s given advice and support, and most of all, she has made me laugh. Jenny is FUN and I appreciate all the joy she radiates to others. I know that Jenny will never judge me and always support me; I can share joy as well as struggles with her. It is wonderful to be her friend.
What is something you want her to know?
Jenny, I appreciate you! You have a huge heart for students and teaching, for your family, and for your friends. You put yourself above others all the time, but it’s important for you to remember to take care of yourself!! Thank you for being so kind and always stepping up to help when I’ve needed it. I am lucky to call you a friend.
Who is Jennifer Tyrrell to you?
Tyrrell is a friend, an awesome teacher, and a vocal advocate for students.
What is your favorite memory of her?
My favorite memory of Tyrrell is probably seeing the passion with which she fights to make GPHS a place where all students truly belong.
How has having Tyrrell in your life made it better?
Wearing my book librarian hat, Tyrrell has enlivened my reading life by sharing fabulous reading recommendations and talking with me for extended periods of time about books we’ve loved and hated.
Wearing my information specialist librarian hat, I have a special interest in the role of the press in our democracy, as does Tyrrell as the journalism teacher and advisor for The Scroll. The work she does in helping to train the next generation of journalists is hugely beneficial to all of us!
What is something you want her to know?
Tyrrell brings joy and learning wherever she goes. I’m so glad we’ve become friends!
Who is Jennifer Tyrrell to you?
If you are asking for titled relationships, I will say Jenni is a colleague and a friend.
If you are asking how I view Jenni than I say Jenni is a woman who loves big and gives of herself without reserve or hesitation. If a student needs an advocate, Jenni is there. If a task or committee needs a volunteer, why there she is again.
What is your favorite memory of her?
I don’t have a “single” favorite memory of Jenni. I love that each morning she swings by to say hello. Being around her means I receive an extra dose of energy and compassion to start my day. Our school would be far less colorful if there were no Jenni.
Here are the interviews from your students. We truly appreciate you so much and without you this whole year would have been so much more miserable than it was. We want to thank you for what you do for us and what you will do for us. We know and understand that no matter, what we have you by our sides, we love you.
Who is Jennifer Tyrrell to you?
A mentor, friend, my rock, and a huge source of moral support. There are so many times when I have doubted myself, and overworked to compensate. Tyrrell always knows when to ground me and reassure me that my hard work pays off. My life would be infinitely more stressful without her.
What is your favorite memory of her?
When she bought the entirety of The Scroll shamrock shakes and when the team, in return, got her a bunch of gifts. That meeting was when I started to feel really confident about the community we were building. Tyrrell deserves so much love. I'm glad we had that moment of mutual appreciation for each other.
How has having Tyrrell in your life made it better?
My sophomore year I had just stopped being super active in Speech & Debate, which had been a major source of self-fulfillment for me. I felt really lost. I decided to join The Scroll on a whim due to my prior involvement the year before with it. It was Tyrrell's first year running the club and she seemed just as lost as me, it was kinda like some kind of cheesy high school destiny that brought us together.
Digitizing The Scroll was (and continues to be) no easy task. I was shocked at the amount of receptiveness, patience, and trust Tyrrell expressed when I pitched my Google Sites format idea. Tyrrell was so supportive and made my ideas feel appreciated and valued-- made me feel appreciated and valued. I find that's a common theme when asking the majority of people who are around her. She's done so much for me, I'll always be grateful for her. She'll forever be the teacher of the year in my heart. The Scroll's legacy would not have continued if not for her guidance.
What is something you want her to know?
I don't think Tyrrell gives herself enough credit. Not only does she have a full-time job tending to a bunch of sporadic, emotional teens with their procrastinating tendencies-- she also has to go home to two more young kids at home. Just that alone is a lot to have on someone's plate, yet she continues to take on being an advisor of not one, but TWO clubs. She's also highly involved in improving the safety of our school; as a result, she attends countless meetings to help improve our community for kids and teachers alike. Even with all that, she still takes time out of her schedule to go home and edit The Scroll with me for hours. I've seen many people lead the same busy lives, but Tyrrell does it without an ounce of annoyance. She comes in every day with nothing but love and passion for what she does. When she makes mistakes, she owns up to them. Tyrrell, I respect you a great deal, not only as a teacher but as a person. Thank you for making me feel found and appreciated.
(Milan answered the wrong questions but it's okay because it is still meaningful. I am sure you already know she appreciates you so much.)
Who is Jennifer Tyrrell to you?
Tyrell is a mentor to me who has always supported her students and gave us the freedom to express ourselves and opinions openly. She is very sweet and caring and a great teacher and overall a person.
When did you first meet Tyrrell?
I first talked to her in summer during 2020 when I first wrote an article for the Scroll and then she invited me to join the team. Then I first met her during the school year.
What is the most memorable thing you experienced with Tyrrell? Favorite memory of her?
My favorite thing about Tyrell is that she is very caring and considerate of her students. She always makes sure we are not overworked or overwhelmed and gives us time to rest and come back strong.
How has Tyrrell impacted your life?
Tyrell has impacted my life by giving me the opportunity to freely express my opinion and thoughts. I got the chance to speak up about very important issues affecting many people around the country and I got to bring awareness to this situation.
What has been your biggest takeaway from being in The Scroll Club this year?
My biggest takeaway from being in The Scroll Club this year is that i got to learn many new writing skills and expand my knowledge on various topics. I am so glad I pushed myself out of my comfort zone and talked about topics that normally I would not be so open about.
Who is Jennifer Tyrrell to you?
She’s been an amazing influence to me and helped me grow so much as a writer and as a person. Tyrrell constantly supports me in what I do, and I still have so much to learn from her.
When did you first meet Tyrrell?
Around January of 2020, I got dragged into The Scroll by one of my friends and mainly helped with photo editing and videography. I met her then, and from there, we’ve gotten to know each other a lot more, and she’s an overall amazing person to work with. I’m happy to call her a teacher, advisor, and friend.
What is the most memorable thing you experienced with Tyrrell? Favorite memory of her?
She sent out a Remind text to the entire Scroll club after finishing all the last-minute edits, and it said “Can you attend in-person from 11:45-12:30 on 7/11?” Although we were all gravely concerned about her mental wellbeing and obviously she was sleep-deprived, it was still hilarious.
How has Tyrrell impacted your life?
Both Tyrrell and my involvement in The Scroll have been my number one reasons that I’ve gotten back into writing and realized how passionate I’ve always been about it. Her impact has even led me to write my own screenplays and stage plays that I don’t think I would have ever done otherwise.
What has been your biggest takeaway from being in The Scroll Club this year?
I’ve gained so much more of a voice in my writing because of The Scroll Club, and it’s been so nice being able to make satirical articles with my own tone. I’ve also made a lot of close friends, and it feels encouraging to have a tightly-knit group of people by my side.
What is something you want her to know?
She is loved by me and the entire Scroll team. There are no words to describe how much she means to us, and it’s going to be hard leaving GPHS next year because of her and her memorable impact on me.
Who is Jennifer Tyrrell to you?
I think of her as a friend more than a teacher! Her classroom is one of my favorite safe spaces on campus, and I feel comfortable going to her about personal problems as well as academic things. I think I tend to feel that way about English teachers in general, but her especially.
When did you first meet Tyrrell?
I was in the Journalism 1 class as a freshman. I didn’t know many teachers yet, so I’m really glad she was one of my first teachers at the high school because she helped me feel comfortable in the new classroom setting.
What is the most memorable thing you experienced with Tyrrell? Favorite memory of her?
I remember being a freshman in the Journalism 1 class and a friend of mine was having a bad day, so Tyrell came and sat next to her and talked it out with her for the rest of the period. I also had a meeting on campus once really early in the morning, and my first period class wasn't open yet by the time I finished, so I went and sat in her room until the first bell rang. It’s little things like that that make me feel like she cares about me as a student and as a person, and like I’m welcome in her classroom.
How has Tyrrell impacted your life?
She helped me adjust to high school as a freshman, because I had a safe space to be myself until I was ready to treat the whole school that way. She’s always welcomed me into her classroom and introduced me to the community I now feel most comfortable in.
What has been your biggest takeaway from being in The Scroll Club this year?
It takes a village to raise a child. The Scroll takes SO MUCH work and effort and I’m so so so so grateful to Tyrell for always giving so much of herself to the newspaper. She has put in so many hours of her time into this thing and I‘ll always be impressed with how she does it.
What is something you want her to know?
Thank you! I am so grateful to her for being the amazing teacher she is. I’ll always remember her as one of my favorite people at the high school (and in general).
Who is Jennifer Tyrrell to you?
Tyrrell is a tireless worker, who is super dedicated to Journalism/The Scroll, and is always a friend if needed, who will work nonstop to help anyone who needs it.
When did you first meet Tyrrell?
I met Tyrell at the first Scroll meeting I attended.
How has Tyrrell impacted your life?
She has just made the Scroll and my 4th period class a blast, just making me want to enjoy what I’m doing and she’s always encouraging me and my contributions (cartoons) every month, making me want to do better every time.
What has been your biggest takeaway from being in The Scroll Club this year?
My biggest takeaway is that everyone is important and valued, no matter what’s going on; there’s always a place for everyone in this club.
What is something you want her to know?
Just that she’s amazing :) definitely one of the best teachers at GP and I appreciate everything that she’s done throughout the year (especially considering how crazy it’s been) And she’s the coolest teacher too
Who is Jennifer Tyrrell to you?
Mrs. Tyrrell has been my number 1 when it comes to articles and writing help! She’s been there while I improved and grew with my writing from my freshman year in Journalism I!
When did you first meet Tyrrell?
I first met Mrs. Tyrrell when she was my Journalism I teacher over 2 years ago. She was what inspired me to continue into The Scroll club next year, as she encouraged me to keep writing past the journalism class.
What is the most memorable thing you experienced with Tyrrell? Favorite memory of her?
I thought it was a great memory for the club when we all brought in surprise gifts and a mini party as a thanks to Mrs. Tyrrell! I think it brought our club together and made us closer as individuals :) (Plus, now we have the chicken as our mascot!)
What has been your biggest takeaway from being in The Scroll Club this year?
I think what was great about The Scroll this year has been our growth as a community. Though (as everything else did) we started out slowly amidst the craziness of the fall, it has been so amazing to watch our club grow with new members and see the amount of articles and voices being shared with every new issue! I love that our little club was able to grow to new heights despite how this year has been, and I am sure it’ll only grow bigger!
What is something you want her to know?
I would just like to say thanks to Mrs. Tyrrell! Thanks to her, our club was able to consistently publish articles throughout this year and be able to share the voices of all of our members.
Who is Jennifer Tyrrell to you?
Tyrrell is an amazing person I can rely on when I need someone to talk to or go over club plans with. She is also someone I look up to, seeing how hard she works and tries for each and everyone of her students. Tyrrell is my inspiration to keep pushing forward and doing what I want. Finding the good in the world and changing the things that aren't.
When did you first meet Tyrrell?
I first met Tyrrell on a zoom call meeting for The Scroll. I don’t think I had ever seen her before that but right off the bat I knew I was welcome in this group. I met Tyrrell in-person the first day of hybrid. I think I remember interrupting her while she was having a conversation with someone else. I was just very excited to meet her in-person.
What is the most memorable thing you experienced with Tyrrell? Favorite memory of her?
One memory is hard to choose. If you have ever been to one of The Scroll meetings you know that those things are so fun. We have fun and we truly love each other. It's a family. If I had to pick one it would have to be simply sitting in her room after club or school and her listening to me talk about the things bothering me. It's her guiding me when I need advice. It's her pushing me to do things I want to do. Every moment you spend with The Scroll team and with Tyrrell is always memorable. At least the feeling you have after leaving is memorable.
What has been your biggest takeaway from being in The Scroll Club this year?
Knowing what a community is. I have never truly fit in but does anyone ever truly fit in? I knew the moment I talked to this group that I belonged. I made new friends. I got less shy. I learned to write better, to be more confident in my ability, to know my limit (okay, maybe I am still figuring this one out). I learned what it was like to be in a community and feel like you belonged there.
What is something you want her to know?
Tyrrell, I want you to know that I truly appreciate you so much. You helped me on my journey of understanding myself and you believed in me when I didn't believe in myself. You pushed me to do things I have always dreamed of doing but never had enough confidence in doing. You taught me that I have the ability to be a leader if I wanted to. I know I am hard to deal with sometimes, I do too much, I'm stubborn but you always make sure I am doing what I love. You have always treated us as equal and never had just students. There are so many things I could say but I don't know how to string the words together. Thank you for everything.
The rest of the members don't appreciate you so they didn't answer the questions... I'm just kidding. We love you so much. Throughout this whole year, more than a year for some of us, you have been nothing but kind to us. As The Scroll continues growing our family continues growing. I have never been happier than sitting in these club meetings knowing that I fit in. I have never felt my face hurt so much than when we are all together, yelling and laughing at each other. I have never felt more of a unity than being part of scroll. You made this happen, you helped this happen. Thank you for being our fake mother and thank you for continuing to show us your love and support.
