Fitz Grieves the Passing of Ms. Gil

Fitz Intermediate is grieving after learning about the sad passing of Miss Gil. The school honored her death with a minute of silence: a minute of silence for all those memories, a minute of silence for her family, a minute of silence for Miss Gil, our cherished history and DLI teacher. Although many students never had the opportunity to experience her incredible teaching, she will still be a part of our school and our hearts, and we will forever be grateful for the wonderful opportunity to have her as one of our amazing teachers. 

Many teachers agree that Miss Gil was a wonderful person and a dedicated teacher. Miss Chin, an English, Spanish, and DLI teacher, stated that, “Miss Gil was a passionate teacher who cared deeply for her students' history, and Latino culture.” Miss Gil did, in fact, care about the Latino culture. She was the advisor for the Culture Club at Fitz. While leading the Culture Club, Miss Gil took her students on a trip to La Placita Olvera on the weekend. This was a big deal because students were given the opportunity to learn and experience Mexican heritage. Miss Gil would also always help with Noche de Tertulia. Noche de Tertulia is a school social gathering where students and parents can express their culture and participate in cultural activities. Another teacher who was quite close to her, Mrs. Hudson, remarked that her favorite memory with Miss Gil was their mutual love for Frederick Douglass. She stated, “I had a life-size poster on the wall! She had a t-shirt and a PUPPET!  We both loved his incredible writing talents and his never-ending determination to bring freedom and equality to our nation. All Americans today owe him a debt of gratitude.  Perhaps Miss Gil is thanking him right now, in heaven?” Mrs. Hudson would always compete with Miss. Gil on who loved Frederick Douglass more. They would always playfully compete to show their love for the courageous man. Due to respect, Mrs. Hudson let Miss Gil win the battle over who loved Douglass more. Miss Gil was a dedicated teacher; she wanted the best for her students and was very committed to teaching.

Students are also saddened by her passing. A student named Sophie Contretas shared, “My favorite memory with her would be when she bought me Starbucks and she gave me words of encouragement.” Additionally, a fellow student, Lillian Nyugen, was very sad and heartbroken when she heard the news. She claimed that, “Miss Gil’s passing was very saddening.” Students are devastated by her passing. Most of them are heartbroken and are grieving. When the news was announced, students looked quite sad. School administration entered the classroom and asked students to observe a moment of silence for her; some of them were even writing notes for her family. One of the students who had her last year as a 7th grader stated, “Well, I know that she told us to be proud of our culture.  Since our parents weren't from here. She was the one who directed LU. She helped around the school and taught and cared for us.” Evangelin Morales also mentioned that she would push students to their limit for the good of it. Miss Gil had good intentions and would encourage students. The scholars were left with many heartfelt memories of Miss Gil.

With deepest sympathy, Miss Gil was a loving teacher and would be deeply missed. May her memory continue to inspire and encourage others. Her kindness, dedication, and determination will always be remembered.