Last Friday, GHS senior football players began a new tradition to show appreciation to the teachers throughout the district who have positively impacted them.
“I liked the teacher’s reactions, Jack Logsdon ‘25 said. It was awesome to see that these teachers really cared about their gift and being recognized. Green has amazing teachers.”
Each senior chose a teacher who influenced them and presented their chosen teacher with a card and a signed football to show their appreciation. Each senior chose a teacher who influenced them and presented their chosen teacher with a card and a signed football to show their appreciation.
Paul Okoye ‘25 chose Christine Bonk, a first-grade teacher at the Primary School, and she expressed her gratitude to Paul.
“You know, we always get forgotten down here. But you coming back to where you started (Green Primary School) is just wonderful,” Bonk said.
The teachers were all touched by the small act, some even saying that this is why they do what they do. Students visiting teachers from their early education makes the teachers feel like they are still present in their high school lives. Senior Wyatt Knowlton presented his gift to his favorite Social Studies teacher, Mr. Aaron Hinkle, whose reaction was hard to forget.
Knowlton responded after the jersey was given back,
“I chose Mr. Hinkle because he was funny and he made history fun the way that he teaches it and he just made the class so much more fun in general.” Knowlton said.
“Awe man. Are you serious? You’re going to make me blush! Bring tears to my eyes man..” Hinkle said.
Knowlton said he chose Hinkle for his teaching style and sense of humor.
“I chose Mr. Hinkle because he was funny and he made history fun the way that he teaches it and he just made the class so much more fun in general,” Knowlton said.
Ryan Fox,who plays on the defensive line, chose Vocational Education Department Chair Mr. Eric Allan.
“I want to thank you, when all of the students are giving you attitude, you always stay a good teacher and have a good attitude, you always showed me to just stay good and stay on task,” Fox said when presenting Allan with his gift and jersey.
Allan was filled with happiness when rewarded with this special moment, and shared a hug with Fox.
Angelo Fortunato ‘25 chose Greenwood teacher Mr. Ryan Flinn who was appreciated the gesture.
“I was so surprised that AJ picked me as a teacher that made an impact on his life. AJ and his brother Anthony attended All Sports Camp as young kids,” Flinn said. “AJ then returned to Camp as a Counselor this past Summer. He has an amazing family and I felt so honored that he picked me.”
Fortunato never had Mr. Flinn as a teacher but grew a bond with him in a different way.
“He was never my teacher but I went to all sports camp and he was my counselor (at the camp) so I’ve known him for around 10 years, and now I work for him at the all sports camp, Fortunato said.” “Ever since the first day I walked into all sports camp he’s treated me with nothing but respect and kindness. And ever since we have been growing closer and closer. Even though I never actually had him as a teacher, he greatly impacted my life.”
Many students have been able to create a bond with their teachers throughout their time in highschool, and have been able to know them even before their freshman year of playing football. Brock Kuznick, safety and wide receiver picked the GHS assistant coach and Language Arts teacher Mr. Jonathan Brooke.
”I just believe that he has been most impactful on me during high school. Whether it’s with school work or different lessons outside of school that’s where I believe he made a difference. I also have known him for 5 almost 6 years now,” Kuznick ‘25 said.
Mr. Brooke was honored Brock chose him as his teacher, and loved being able to share this special moment with one of his players.
Logsdon hopes the tradition of teacher appreciation is one the team will continue in the upcoming years.
“The tradition should continue because it allows athletes to give back to their favorite teachers,” Logsdon said.
