Mr. Perkins: The Most Influential Person

There is a quote that I have embraced during my professional journey I like that state, “The influence of a good teacher can never be erased”. As a product of the Muscogee County School district, my life mirrors that statement. If it were not for my awesome teachers I would not be the person and teacher I am today. Growing up poor, I lived in Wilson Apartments and attended Fox Elementary School. It was my kindergarten teacher Mrs. Vignery that ignited my passion to become a teacher. She would always hold my hand and made me feel loved despite my many issues. As a result, I wanted to pass this love to my students. I cannot remember not one single thing that she taught me, but I will never forget how she made me feel. I find myself holding

I was very happy to see that she got the teacher I wanted. This teacher was the most popular and highest rated teacher in the school district. She won many teaching awards and was honored for her teaching skills by her peers and community. This particular teacher was also teaching at the same elementary school that I was attending when I was a child. I remember her because she was always kind to her students, not to mention very pretty and immaculately dressed every day. I never had her as a teacher for kindergarten but I remember walking past her classroom often.

Mr. Westman has been my teacher for the past six years and I still don’t think that is enough time to be surrounded by such joy and love that he gives. Mr. Westman has continuously pushed me and my classmates to better ourselves as musicians, students, and most importantly, people. He radiates so much joy for life and teaching and his kindness, sarcasm, and love for “his kids” can never be matched. I’m so grateful to have head his influence for so long, and I can’t wait to come back and see what he continues to do with the amazing orchestra program. #AvonOrchestraTurns10

She is a great inspiration to me, and inspires me even more to become a teacher.

Throughout my high school career, a teacher that has had an impact on my life consists of Michael Sherwin. He is my Advanced Placement Government and Advanced Placement U.S. History teacher. Mr. Sherwin proves to be prominent in my high school career because his lectures in class are always enjoyable and very comprehensive. He is very knowledgeable on the subjects that he teaches and he is able to provide insight on countless topics. As his student, he is the reason that I have taken the initiative to partake in much more difficult classes throughout high school.

Mr. G was a transfer teacher from a small school in Tennessee called Carol-Oakland. He came to Mount Juliet Middle in the beginning of the year, and the guidance counselors had assigned me to attend his classroom. He was the first male teacher that I have ever had in my life, and this scenery was quite different than I had expected.

People ask me who inspires me the most in the world and the ones that pop right into mind are my mother and Mrs. Napoli. Mama Naps is the only one who left a lasting impression in my life. She has done so much for other students including myself. She always goes out of her way to make sure her ‘kids’ are always flourishing.

During my life I have had several teachers with who I hold in high regard. Mr. Anthony Arico, Mr. Marty Berger, and Mrs. Edna Thomas to name a few. Even though all of the above named teachers had a very profound effect on my life; my all-time favorite teacher would be SSG Daniel Spencer retired. He was my ROTC instructor for approximately two years and has been a mentor throughout my adult life.

My high school art teacher, Jackie Tingle, inspired me to create and further my education in art. Through her constructive criticism and her wonderful teaching skills she easily allowed me to develop my own skills as an artist. In a world full of two-dimensional characters, I found it amazing that she was a successful artist. Before I met her, I did not know it was even remotely possible to have a career in art. To this day, I still have respect for her and how she carries herself. Even at times when students treated her disrespectfully she remained professional.

A high school teacher that has impacted my life is my 9th grade Geometry teacher, Mrs. Scully. Mrs. Scully has impacted my life from the very beginning. She has always been very caring and fun to be around. She is probably one of the most unique people in my life. She has always wanted me to do my best, and worked hard for me to understand the course. I was very troubled in mathematics, but the first time I received an 80 on a test in her class was the happiest moment for me. She is dedicated and she cares about you. She wants you to do good. I only had her for that year, but I still continue to see her. Sophomore and Junior year I would also use my tutoring time to be with her. I am now a senior class officer and she is our leader. She puts together senior activities and the officers help her. She influences me to be the very best person I can be. I see how she has these stylish cars and is overall happy with her life and committed to what she does. It’s inspiring and I can only wish to become as happy and successful as she is. She is a wonderful

The person that has probably influenced me the most throughout my life is my best friend, Jalen Williams. We grew up doing everything together ever since kindergarten. We’ve only had two of the same classes, in kinder and first grade, but outside of school we would hang out 24/7. There was even a period of time when I had to live with him for two years because of financial issues. Jalen has not only taught me what a great friendship is, but also how to find the brightside in any situation.

There are few teachers who are as caring and kindhearted as Mr. John Cox. Mr. Cox is a special education teacher here at Potosi High School and it is safe to say that I have known him for most of my life. I have never had Mr. Cox as one of my teachers personally, but he taught my oldest brother, Floyd, from 3rd grade until he graduated his senior year. Floyd is pretty unique. He has been blind since birth and has developmental delays, meaning that he needs patient, understanding teachers. Mr. Cox is definitely one of those teachers. My family was quite close with Mr. Cox because Floyd (and the rest of our family) loved and appreciated him. I remember several times when I was young, when Christmas rolled around, Mr. Cox would send a gift home

My second grade teacher Mrs. Balzer was one of my favorite teachers through elementary school. Everyday after school while I was in her class waiting on the bus she would say "Dillon would you like a cheese stick?" Though cheese sticks was not my favorite snack and I didn't want to sound rude so i would say "yes ma'am." Learning was starting to change through grades there were more books, more homework and more classes. Another favorite teacher of mine was Mr. Britton. He was always there helping me struggling on an assignment, and always asked me to go run papers to them office for him or go make

I had wonderful teachers, always so helpful and there for me whenever I had a question. I felt that I could ask them anything and that means the world to me as a student. It is important to me to feel comfortable with a teacher to succeed. Their knowledge on things that didn’t come from our books was very helpful as well, I loved to hear all their real world experiences. They truly are incredible people and I hope they continue on teaching for many years because they are a big factor on why I am so passionate about my

One of the influential people that made a huge impact in my life is my college professor who told me to never settle for less. She encouraged me to push the envelope and attempt to do things that are out-of-the-box. Her credentials and accomplishment in teaching is, for lack of a better word, overwhelming. She is strict, but fair. She saw my potential in teaching and told me that being a great teacher requires 4C's and 1P: competence, compassion, character, commitment, and passion. These are the things that remember by heart. Every time someone asks me who is my role model in teaching, I would always tell them that Mrs. Edith L. Ortega is the person I look up to up to this time. Even though she is nearing retirement, she still managed to keep