Marianne Leek
We all had a teacher who made the difference for us. Mine was my sixth-grade math teacher, Mr. Fields. I admired him for breaking barriers in a place where there were few African American teachers and even fewer men. I loved throwing a basketball in class to practice multiplication tables; I will never forget a stray ball taking down a bank of classroom lights. I especially love he believed in me when I did not believe in myself. Mr. Fields is gone and I can never again tell him how much he meant. Yet we can ask others who made a difference for them.
One sixth grade student has found his difference maker in band director, Jennifer Gibson. Hayesville Middle School student Carter Whitfield plays clarinet and has always loved music. “I love playing and composing,” he said. “I am excited to be in the Hayesville Marching Band next year.”
As band director for Hayesville Middle School and Hayesville High School, Gibson has made the difference for many students, as evidenced by posts on Clay County Schools Facebook page. Hannah Chastain posted, "She’s been like a second mom to me. When I am having trouble with something, she is there for me, school related or not. When I need someone to make me smile, I can always count on her. I would be completely lost with her. I look up to her very much and hope one day I will be half of the woman she is."
Others offered similar sentiments. "Mrs. G is a teacher none can compare to,” Jacob posted. “If you need something, she will do everything in her power to get it. I wouldn’t call Mrs. G a teacher, but a friend."
HHS principal Jim Saltz praised her. “Jennifer Gibson is the perfect person to lead our band,” he said. “You can tell she cares so much about all of the students. The band program is not just the students, but their families, too. Her high expectations are what has brought so much accomplishment and awards to our band programs. If a student has any sort of issue, she finds out the proper course of action to help get it resolved. In addition, she took leader- ship of our Denmark program when I became principal and has done a wonderful job.”
HHS sophomore Will De- fee said his favorite is high school math teacher, Brenda Puett, because she encourages learning from his peers at his own speed. “During quarantine, she has been very good at communicating and helping us understand new topics even though we aren’t in class.”
Saltz shared his insight. “It's not an easy job to teach a subject that doesn't exactly bring a smile to a student's face at the beginning of the semester,” he said. “But when the semester ends and EOC scores are returned, smiles are abundant in our math classrooms. That's what makes Puett special. She tackles the subject of math with passion, diligence and a sound knowledge base. Her students reap the benefits of her expertise by learning the concepts that prepare them for future courses, post- secondary education and real life. What is so special about Puett is, she truly cares about her students and their success in her classroom. Puett's diligence in her attempt to help every student reach their potential and become proficient in their knowledge. It is an honor to be a colleague to such an outstanding educational professional.”
Hayesville High School English teacher Marianne Leek retired last year, but she left an impression. “She was a cool teacher. She showed me all teachers aren’t alike,” HHS student Tyler Hilton explained. “From the first day, everybody knew there was something different about her. She got excited about learning and that made us more interested. She treated us with respect and like we mattered.”
Hayesville grad Carly Michele Guffey agreed. “Leek was my favorite teacher in high school,” Guffey said. “She cared about students and loved to see them succeed. She helped me through the passing of my grandmother and made sure I still did my work. She is so kind and passionate when it came to students and she was my go-to teacher throughout high school. She worked so hard for students and helped them in every way she could.”
Saltz added, “Very few folks reach legendary status. I'm secure in saying Leek is a legend at Hayesville High School. In my years of education in different places, I have never witnessed a teacher who could connect with almost every student in a healthy, positive and nurturing manner. Very few educational professionals have impacted the lives of students on a level parallel with her. She could bring out the best in her students and prepared them for success in the real world and their adult lives. As far as the school community goes, Leek could bring a calmness to any situation and gifted our school with her foresight and wisdom. I am so lucky to have worked alongside Leek and to learn from her. Leek's presence at HHS was a big part of building the culture of success that keeps the HHS Hive abuzz.”
Teachers who created the difference all seemed to have what HMS student Kaylee Defee’s favorite has. “Kristy Thurmond is my favorite because she believed in me.” Defee loved all of her teachers.
Third grade teacher, Sara McClure, is Wayne Fullmer’s favorite. “Mrs. Sara was a good teacher,” he said. “She was always nice and cared about all her students”. Shannon and Andy Lundquist are raising their granddaughters. Savannah May and Jayden May have both been taught by McClure. “We would like to honor McClure,” Shannon said. “She has been such a blessing to both granddaughters. Jayden is in her class this year. Mc- Clure makes every student know how important they are. She never lets them feel they are less than and encourages them to be the best they can be.”
Preschool teachers make a difference, too. Blake and Cayce Ledford complimented HES preschool teacher Kelly Jones. “Jones helped tremendously in transitioning our son into Pre-K. Her patience and passion towards teaching, along with her genuine love for her students, is what makes her so special. She created a strong academic foundation that will benefit Tate for years to come.”
Stacy Van Buskirk said thanks via Facebook to two HES preschool teachers. "I am glad my twins were paired with two amazing teachers that truly love them. This year was my twins’ first in school and Julie Denton and Melissa Cheeks have helped them transition well,” Van Buskirk said. “Cheeks is a kind and sweet teacher for my son. School was a big transition for him with many new learning experiences and Cheeks has helped so much in Noah's academic development and growth. I'm thankful Noah was able to have a teacher like her for his first year in school."
Van Buskirk thanked Denton, too. "She has been a wonderful teacher for my daughter, especially for her first year in school. My daughter can be shy and she helped bring her out of her shell. Zella has enjoyed learning and making new friends in class. Denton has been an excellent resource as we start our academic journey with our twins."
HES principal Lindsey Hodnett said she is thankful for all the wonderful teachers in the school.
Sixth grade student Will Jennings spoke for a lot of students, parents and teachers when he commented, “"I appreciate all my sixth grade teachers because they put up with me and all their other students, without going crazy."
Want to share about a teacher who made a difference in your life? Visit the Clay County Schools Face- book page.