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From May 6th to May 10th, teachers across the nation are celebrated by their schools and students for National Teacher Appreciation Week. This week, we asked our journalists to write a letter honoring a teacher or staff member who has had a significant influence on their time here at U.P. On behalf of the University Prep Journalism Class, thank you teachers and staff for all that you have done and will continue to do for the benefit of your students. We appreciate all you have sacrificed and all you go out of your way to do to provide the best educational experiences you can for your students.
Thank you, Ms. Martinez
From, Victor Eamphanich
Ms. Martinez is a full-time revolving substitute here at U.P. What this entails is that she is able to cover for teachers and staff when they are unable to complete their work. Staff and students alike are able to appreciate a teacher that is lientent. Knowing that the staff have stressful and tiring jobs, the people covering them are just as important because they do an excellent job making sure that students are on task and doing things that were assigned to them. This is an effort that the community of University Preparatory can appreciate wholeheartedly.
An anonymous senior who once received advice from Ms. Martinez was received positively by the student as it really helped them decide a problem that they were facing at that moment. Ms. Martinez had provided the student with advice regarding college and their future choices which had definitely helped the student be guided into the right direction.
Many students find comfort in talking to staff, the students are able to rely on many staff members regarding the choices they make and the opinions they need to help embrace the choices they are going to make for their future. A staff member we are going to acknowledge for this is Ms. Martinez. She is able to create a comfortable and warm environment in the classroom.
As a staff member with a kind influence Ms. Martinez says “Always fight for your dreams”. She says this because she is a reliable person that understands the struggles that the students have which she wants to encourage. Knowing that we have her to support our school at any moment is very valuable to the students of our school. If it is in the classroom or at a school event, we are certain that we can be happy to see her at any moment.
At any time of a school day, students can be sure to feel relief knowing they are in the care of Ms. Martinez. Juan Enciso says, “I am relaxed to know when she is our substitute teacher because it helps me feel more confident”. We thank Ms. Martinez for all she has done for us.
Thank you, Mrs. Lovato
From, Korean McFarlin
Mrs. Lovato is an 11th grade English teacher and Yearbook advisor. She puts in countless hours to make sure her students are well taken care of and prepared for success. She devoted her time to making sure we have an amazing yearbook to look back on all the memories throughout the years.
She will provide her students with endless opportunities and tools to ensure they are ready to take on any task at hand. Mrs. Lovato has helped me in so many ways. She helped me get into several colleges and programs geared towards my future. She helped assist me with getting prepared for college interviews and gave me advice on how to better my skills as a student. Many students and staff love the energy that Mrs. Lovato brings on campus. Mrs. Lovato’s bright energy, loving spirit, and cheerful personality brings so much joy to our campus. Her dedication and passion for teaching give students encouragement to do good in school. I am so thankful for having Mrs. Lovato as a teacher and mentor throughout high school. She has not only impacted my highschool journey but many others and is always willing to help us succeed and do better, and for that I say thank you.
Thank you, Mrs. Rodriguez
From, Izaak Sanchez
In school there are many teachers that go beyond what they're supposed to do to help their students succeed. Mrs. Rodriguez is one of them. She does tutoring every Monday and Wednesday, also during lunch, and she advises the BSU club (Black Student Union). Mrs. Rodriguez presence has made a difference in our school community to many students.
Mrs. Rodriguez is the Integrated II math teacher. She teaches both honors and regulars with mostly sophomores and some freshmen. She contributes to the school community by holding tutoring for many of the students struggling, giving extra credit if you finish the assignment. She cares about your grade, and actually talks to you and cares about you. You can ask her a lot of questions and she will always deeply explain the question and want to help. She has a strong bond with the other math teachers Mr. Gonzalez and Mr. Rocha always hanging out at lunch and before school.
When I was struggling in her class she always came up to me and explained the question to me. She always talks to you like she cares about you and you can have a deep conversation with her. She gives out tickets for her students to use for snacks, homework passes, or extra credit to make the class more fun for everybody and you will always have something to eat. She also tutors the middle school kids to help Mr. Gonzalez and Mr. Rocha.
Mrs. Rodriguez deserves recognition because of her sense of humor and the bonds she has with her students. Everybody really enjoys her class, causing the learning experience to be more memorable and exciting.
I am grateful to have Mrs. Rodriguez as my teacher because of the effect she has on the school, teachers, and students. She has put a lot of hard work, time, and dedication to help her students succeed and bond with them more.
Mrs. Rodriguez had impacted my schooling life by being a friend and always helping with everything I need. She makes a difference in the Math community and school community making kids get smarter and work harder towards their life goals.
Thank you, Mr. Roberts
From, Joseline Tanchez
As a school, University Preparatory has amazing staff, we have good natured teachers and compassionate office ladies. Our remarkable staff have been putting great effort in order to adequately prepare for their students with events and their teachings. A teacher that deserves recognition for all their time and teachings is Mr. Roberts, a science teacher for 7th, 8th, and 9th grade. Mr. Roberts is a science teacher that has a heavy role of dealing with middle school students and a Biology class full of highschoolers.
Without a doubt, every teacher has a strong influence with their line of work. Mr Roberts, a teacher with many responsibilities, forms a great ordeal of assignments with his students. As for many teachers they would understand, school students may create a hassle and can be a tiring experience from time to time. Due to the unexpected and unpredictable movements made by energetic students, resulting in the amount of work that it takes to work with so many students rising to an exhausting level. Despite this, Mr. Roberts still has time and attends the after school events to help supervise and to assist with the clubs that are selling, showing that he is able to persevere through all his work to achieve a positive outcome.
A student from his biology class, Jared Villanueva says, “Mr. Roberts is a kind teacher, he cares for our education by making sure that we understand the material we are given, he gives us a study guide to make sure that we succeed”.
In addition, as a staff member that actively attends many after school events, students are always able to find him around campus for anything. Students will always come up for a friendly conversation, it is a comfortable environment where students can speak about anything going on, personal or fun jokes. His open-mindedness really helps uplift any mood for students who want something different every once in a while.
Students that are acquainted with Mr. Roberts are very glad they are able to share an experience with him, not only for the fun learning experience but also for the fun memories they have with the light-hearted moments. Not many staff members are always attending school events or able to, but the effort that he has put into for the students is always appreciated.
The people that are the pillar to the things that happen in our school always deserve a little bit of extra appreciation because without them we wouldn’t be able to sustain the school in a safe environment. Knowing this, we are grateful to all the staff members that have helped our school feel like a place of happiness and learning for their peers.
Thank you, Mrs. Sturtevant
From, Joanna Vance
Mrs. Sturtevant is an 11th Grade U.S. history teacher at our school, University Preparatory. She has been teaching at this school for the past couple years and enjoys her time spent with staff and also her students during class. Mrs. Sturtevant has contributed to the school community by engaging with her students and having fun, while still making sure her students learn their history! Students find her class to be an exciting part of their day because of her engagement and the fun of the class.
From my own personal perspective, I find Mrs. Sturtevant's class a highlight of my day. Every morning I walk into her class ready to have a good laugh because there has not been a time where myself and the people around me have gone a day without laughing. Being in her class makes me feel like I can laugh and be myself, not only because of the people who surround me, but because of the responses Mrs. Sturtevant has and how she continues to provide us with joy. Yes, there are times to laugh and to not laugh, but rarely is there time to feel upset or sad in her class.
Another student who takes Mrs. Sturtevant's class is Christopher Alvarez, Grade 11. Christopher enjoys her class because he doesn't feel overwhelmed by work, but feels like it is just the right balance of excitement and work. "Mrs. Sturtevant is an overall fascinating teacher as she is great at communication and serious in her work place.". Christopher feels as if our teacher brings the material to our attention in a fun and engaging way, and has helped understand and appreciate history just a little bit more. The positive energy in the classroom is palpable and it is amazing to see how a little bit of humor can transform a class that is often seen as boring, into something to look forward to.
Mrs. Sturtevant is a really compassionate person who shows genuine care, meaning she is someone who shows empathy towards others by understanding it from their point of view. She also has a great sense of humor and is always willing to lend a helping hand. By lightening up the mood, she makes the school environment more enjoyable for everyone around her, because she carries this type of energy that just always makes you want to be happy.
Wrapping up our discussion, Mrs. Sturtevant's support and dedication have not only improved our quality of education received, but have also fostered a positive and nurturing environment for her students. Thank you Mrs. Sturtevant. We couldn't have asked for a better APUSH and USH teacher. Let us celebrate the unsung heroes in our own lives, who continue to shape our world. This may be a teacher, friend, or parent who contributes to your world. Whoever it is, show them gratitude by acknowledging them and their hard work.
"Your grades and your work depends on YOU and what you choose to do, or to not do. You can't be disappointed by your own actions if you chose that path. In that case, choose the right path." - Sturtevant 2024'
Thank you, Mr. Zimmerman
From, Dani Jackman
For the past 18 years, Mr. Zimmerman has taught math to University Preps high school students. His importance to this school is not only represented in his dedication and time spent here, but in how he has influenced countless students to pursue the best versions of themselves through his math and Senior Trans classes, as well as his astounding resume in U.P.'s athletic department.
The impact of Mr. Zimmerman's contributions can be seen in his previous work as the Athletic Director of University Prep's Middle and High School sports teams, and his continued work as the Lady Jags Varsity Softball head coach. The position of A.D. has recently passed onto Mr. Czarnota, but for the 15 years, Mr. Zimmerman had been A.D. and simultaneously coached the softball team through the Cross Valley League win after win. The success of the team can be attributed to many aspects, one such being the dedication and resilience of Coach Zimmerman himself. Coach Zimmerman has become someone his players can admire, learn from, and confide in on a coach/player level. His willingness to teach every aspect of the game while always being a student of the game himself is unmatched, and his extensive knowledge of his sport is unparalleled by many in his position. His perseverance to bring out the best in his players is inspiring, and just one reason why the Lady Jags continue to dominate league play every season.
I have had the honor to play for Zimmerman for my entire varsity career, and I can honestly say I've become a better, smarter, and more mature player because of it. I was voted and awarded the position of Team Captain this year, and with his support and guidance, I believe I have unlocked a whole new level and perspective to my game through this leadership position. His passion and absolute, unconditional love for the game is something I'll always remember and cherish him for.
Off the field, most students know him as a dual Senior Trans and Statistics teacher. For some, he has taught the ins and outs of college applications, how to keep a balanced checking account, and how to buy a house loan-free. For others, he taught how to find a z-score, what a standard deviation was, and repeatedly reminded us to label our graphs on "Quests." I've never been big on math myself, but Zim's commitment to his stats class coupled with his application of the materials in many areas of our study made for an amazing end to my high school math career. I'm (for once) confident in my mathematic abilities and go into tests with ease and little anxiety. I attribute this to Zim and thank him endlessly for the time he takes with us in class to make sure that every student has the chance to learn to their fullest potential. With his usual dad jokes in tow, Mr. Zimmerman never fails to bring life into a classroom (whether it's with funny conversations or stressful test reviews).
Regardless of where you know Mr. Zimmerman from, the Zimmerman family has always been prominent in U.P. campus culture. They're a wonderful family of wonderful, loving, and hardworking people who are some of the kindest I've ever met. Both Mr. and Mrs. Zimm deserve all the praise they get and more, and I wish them both the best for the rest of their teaching careers. I will miss my time on the softball field and in class with Mr. Zimm dearly, and I will always cherish all I have learned and achieved these past 4 years with Mr. Zimm as one of my biggest fans and role models.
Thank you, Mrs. Faison
From, Caleb Frederick
The staff member of University Prep that I chose for this article is Mrs. Faison. Mrs. Faison teaches World History, AP Euro, and Women's History. Mrs. Faison is highly passionate about history and her role as a history teacher. She started teaching at University Prep in 2008 and hasn't left to go anywhere else. You will always find Mrs. Faison chaperoning at events, helping clubs, and motivating students to get active in the school as a whole.
Mrs. Faison has also impacted my life as a student here at University Prep. She has always been there to spark intellectual and encouraging conversation to not just me but every student she meets. Mrs. Faison stands for the students at University Prep and every student can feel safe in her classroom, so much so that she is even known as "Mama Faison" by her past classes. On my first day at the school, she was the only teacher to spark conversation and comfort me on my first day at a new school, and I am not the first student she has done that for.
She has multiple clubs that students use her classroom to host, she always volunteers to chaperone dances, field trips, and school events. She has always been there as a helping hand to not just students but staff, as well, when it comes to chaperoning and helping out at University Prep. Mr. Schreck has pointed out the hilarious conversation she starts whenever they walk by each other in the early mornings. While Mrs. Zimmerman was on Paternity leave she subbed for her class periods for months until she was healthy enough to return to teaching.
Student Matthew Esquivel Solís, 11, spoke about Mrs. Faison saying, "She is like a grandmother to the whole grade." She was truly an amazing staff member and teacher to this school as a whole. Next year Mrs. Faison volunteered to take the AP African American History which was almost not even a class if it wasn't for her sticking her neck out, and now, it will have its first class at the beginning of next year.
Thank you, Mr. Bradley
From, Camryn Smith
Mr. Bradley is a security guard at University Preparatory. He started working for the Victor Valley Union High School District in 2007. Mr. Bradley is a happy and joyful person who finds a way to bring a smile to the people he interacts with. He goes above and beyond in his job.
Mr. Bradley does more than just be a security guard, he gets involved and connects with the students, which creates a positive and happy atmosphere at University Prep.
"One Day I was walking back to my 5th period and Mr. Bradley noticed that I wasn't as joyful. And he saw my eyes were watery ebcause I was crying. So eh took the time out of his day to come up to me and make sure I was okay and he let me vent to him. So he is my school hero."
-Interview story by Kayla Bonilla
"About 3 weeks ago, I had forgotten to bring water bottle to school so I was very thirsty. I was talking to Mr. Bradley about this and he asked why I didn't just use the water fountains and I told him that the water had a funny taste in my opinion. So out of the kindness of his heart, he went and shared one of his own water bottles with me."
-Interview story by Camryn Smith
Even though we are unable to interview every student he makes an impact on, based on these two stories, you can see that he finds a way to show kindness through the job he does.
Though not every student may know you, for the ones that do, we say thank you for the hard work and passion you bring to University Prep. Your happy spirit and positive attitude doesn't go unnoticed. We appreciate everything you do for us and for the impact you make on our lives. Thank you Mr. Bradley!!!
Thank you, Teresa
From, Kayla Garcia
Many people do not know Teresa, but are able to recognize her as the one handing them their slushies and chips at the snack cart and occasionally inside the cafeteria. She is part of the food services staff here at U.P., serving the students in a kind and generous manner everyday of the week.
I, personally, wanted to recognize Teresa not just as a staff member, but a respectable and good-natured human. In previous years, she would greet me at breakfast in a warm and welcome tone, wishing me a good morning, and so on. This year, as well, when we had a new item on the lunch menu, she asked my friend and I to come back and let her know how it was. We were the only students who did so, and she was very appreciative of our feedback.
“You can tell she really cares about the students. She is always polite when I grab a snack,” says Ashley Melgoza, who was with me when asked to rate the new dish.
Teresa has been working in this field for 19 years, with 3 years at U.P. specifically. She has worked at different high schools in the High Desert, including Silverado, Adelanto, and Victor Valley. Her favorite part about working at U.P. is the kids and being able to go outside to the snack cart during lunch. When home away from campus, she enjoys her two grandchildren the most.
As a lighthearted question, when asking what superhero she would be, Teresa chose Wonder Woman. Why? “She fights crime and helps people”, she states. Maybe Teresa helps fight crime on the side, but she already helps people everyday at U.P. We appreciate all that she does behind the scenes to fuel our students daily, making her a real-life wonder woman. I appreciate having such a friendly face on campus and hope she knows her positive impact on our daily lives.
Thank you all teachers and staff of University Prep!
All of your work and efforts do not go unnoticed and we appreciate everything you do. Thank you all for making the 2023-24 school year a great one!
-University Prep Journalism