Mr. Cahoon

Anonymous Senior: “He is super smart and always is kind to his students. What makes him specifically my hero is that he has always heard me out and helped me think about things from different perspectives, which has helped me be a better student and person.”

Mr. Nieuwsma

Annabell Hanson (junior): “I’ve really never had a teacher that lights up the second they begin teaching. I had Mr. Nieuwsma for creative writing and speech, both of those classes were my favorite because of how he teaches and actually cares. He is such an interactive teacher that truly wants the best for us. It’s so obvious Mr. Nieuwsma loves what he does and a teacher like that really makes a difference in how students feel about the class. He is a fun-witty person but he also genuinely cares about his students.”

Cooper “Treble Maker” Anderson (senior): “Didn’t even have him for English and yet was still the best English teacher I’ve ever had”

Mr. Benner

Anonymous freshman: “I consider this teacher my teacher hero because at the beginning of the semester last semester I did not understand anything and I just transferred here so I was very scared and shy. Because I was scared and shy I did not ask questions and I was failing math. One day he came up to me and asked if I was okay and if I needed help because he saw me struggling. Mr.benner is all about inclusion and that means a lot to me. He made me feel like I belonged and he didn’t call me dumb for not understanding, nor did he give up on me and call me helpless but instead he helped me and went out of his way to do so. I then ended up passing his class with an A.”

Anonymous sophomore: “I consider him a teacher hero because he is really nice and makes you not dread going to his class. He will also help you with all your other classes' homework.” 

Ms. Hess

Soph McCann (sophomore): “Ms. Hess has been carrying the choir department on her back for over 20 years. Even though not as many people come to our concerts as they used to, she still puts her heart and soul into each and every one of them to make sure we have a fun time singing.”

Raynna Meuchel (senior): “She has been there at my lowest lows, and helped me figure out so much about my confusing life over the years. I’d consider her a part of my family, she’s like a really supportive grandma to me. Ms. Hess is the only rock in my life, in terms of teachers. She’s the only reason I’m able to wake up and come to school, I want to make it to her class because she always has something fun to do and say. I love Ms. Hess, I’m gonna miss her </3.”

Mr. Lemur

Amir Foley (freshman) : “I consider Mr. Lemer my hero because he’s a very smart, concise, and lighthearted person who easily wins over the hearts of many. His class, mixed with his personality, helped me adapt to the structure of high school—which, as a freshman, is very important. I see it everyday: people with 60+ missing assignments, bumming off others for answers, seemingly no care for their grades. At first, I was tempted to fall into this habit, but Mr. Lemer’s class and personality consciously helped me form the healthy habits I need to succeed in a school environment. These same responsibility habits will likely also help me throughout my entire life. Everything about his class is amazing; the way he frames his class with everyday assignments and activities; the topics that all form together to create a full wide frame picture of what we need to know; the way he acts, encouraging you to do your work. It all comes together in one grand symphony. His humor is also very fun, and he often has many great topics to share. 

Mrs. Schaf

Anonymous Sophomore: “I’ve always been fascinated with history, but I’ve never liked it as a class due to how it is structured in schools. In schools, it’s simply taking notes and memorizing dates and sometimes getting one fun project if you’re lucky. However, Mrs. Schaf does a lot of hands-on activities and shows us the “why”s behind it all. I really appreciate the in-depth learning opportunity I am given in her class.”

Mr. Fry

Anonymous sophomore: “Mr. Fry pushed me to join DECA, and that decision ended up changing my entire high school experience. Through DECA, I’ve had the opportunity to connect with so many different people from across the state to even other countries which has really broadened my perspective. Without him encouraging me to get involved, I honestly think my high school years would have been much quieter and far less engaging.”

Mrs. Frederick

Anonymous senior: “I consider Mrs.Frederick as a hero because she does a lot for people. She even filled out paperwork for the Banner that the school got for inclusion. I’m really proud of her. Thank you for what you do for everyone.”

Mr. Hellman

Bohde Zachmeier (freshman): “He has taught me not only in school but also in life experiences.”

Trevor Aaker (freshman)  : “He offered me a job when work wasn’t moving, now my name is becoming known by more schools and I now work with the Dakota Grappler, a wrestling magazine in North and South Dakota”

Mrs. Jacobson

Kendra Harrington (senior): “Mrs. Jacobson is my hero because she made a huge impact on my life when I needed it the most. Last semester, whenever I was having a bad day, she could always tell and would find a way to cheer me up. She never ignored how I was feeling and always made sure I was okay, which meant a lot to me. She helped me change the way I looked at things I was struggling with and gave me advice that actually helped. I feel like I have a stronger connection with her than I do with most of my other teachers. She is easy to talk to, understanding, and someone I can trust. I never feel judged when I open up to her. She has helped me through a lot and always knows how to make me laugh and smile, even when I don’t feel like it. Because of her, I feel more positive and supported, and that’s why she is my hero.”

Mrs. Jahner

Anonymous freshman: “I consider her a hero because she is very understanding and she actually gives you time to get work in instead of making it due the next day.” 

Anonymous sophomore: “She always cares for her students and always is flexible with students' lives. She loves to support them and help those struggling and not just in class. She always asks how everyone is individually making sure  that everything is ok in our everyday lives. She is my favorite teacher and she will always be remembered by me as well. She has impacted so many people's lives and deserves to be recognized.”

Destiny (sophomore): “She’s always there when we need help on assignments and guides us to get good grades on our work”

Mr. Graff

Anonymous junior: “He’s the heart of the party, and is the funniest teacher.”

Mrs. Quintus 

Anonymous senior : “She always pushes me to do my very best and try new things. I tell her my dreams and goals and she believes in me and encourages me to pursue them. She also always has a good, long story to tell and it’s apparent she really cares about teaching and the kids in her classroom.”

Mr. G

Anonymous senior: “I consider him my hero because he creates an environment where his students feel safe and understood. He also gives really good advice when you need it. He is very wise.”

Anonymous senior: “He’s very open towards his students, and it gives me a chance to talk about things I usually never discuss.”

Mr. Johs

Anonymous freshman: “Because he always pushes me to become a better person”

Mrs. Weigress

Anonymous senior: “She has helped me in all 3 English classes since sophomore year. Also when I was struggling with drama she was always there to listen.”

Mrs. Bender

Anonymous senior: “I have known her my entire high school career. She has been my coach for almost everything I have ever been in. She has been through so much and still continues to teach and help kids learn. I don’t like that I have ever met a stronger woman in my life. She deals with so much that nobody would ever think of and has gone through so much and I am so proud and happy for her. I will dearly miss her when I graduate and I wish I could stay here just to be close to her and the activities she has helped me grow with and into.”

Dr. Brannan

Anonymous senior: “She’s always supported me when I’ve been dealing with things outside of school.  She’s very understanding and teaches important concepts in her classes that can be applied in everyone’s life.”

Mrs. Zeller

Parker Mehlhoff: “Mrs. Zeller is not only such a great teacher, but a great friend. She gives you real life advice and always has a time to listen when you need to talk. She never lets an opportunity slip away to ask you how you are doing, or to compliment you that day. I look up to Mrs. Zeller a lot and I’m inspired by the way she treats students.”

Mr. Sheldon

Anonymous senior: “He’s a great teacher who made school actually worth going to.”