On Oct. 27, the ANHS varsity football team marked their last home game of the season by gifting their jerseys to teachers who made an impact on the players. The football players showed their gratitude for these impactful teachers by reflecting the values of respect, gratitude and the spirit of personal growth and education within the ANHS school community.
One of the football captains, Hunter Najm (12) shared, “I gave my jersey to Coach Barnett because he’s one of those teachers who not just taught me, but truly changed me as a person. Coach Barnett is the kind of guy to take time out of his day to check up on you personally and academically. Coach Barnett also has the ability to make class super fun and enjoyable, but also make it easy to get work done and stay focused.”
Cody Brick (12) says, “I gave my jersey to Mrs. Terhardt, my sophomore year world history teacher, because she gave me great inspiration, and she was also very nice during class. She always gave me a good chance and always made sure her students are doing the right thing and pursuing our best selves.”
Ms. Terhardt shares her thoughts on receiving a jersey from one of the football players: “I was very happy to receive the jersey from Cody and appreciated that he thought of me as a teacher he wanted to give it to since I was his World History teacher two years ago. It is wonderful to see my students grow in both academics and sports from sophomore year to senior year. I love that this tradition is a way for teachers to show their support for the football team!”
All teachers are grateful when their students acknowledge and value their efforts, so this was a great way of showing support from student to teacher. These heartwarming expressions of appreciation by the ANHS football players helps reflect the impact these teachers have had on their lives, not just as students, but as individuals.
Dr. de Diego, one of the teachers who received a jersey, also shares her thoughts on this touching gesture: “It was really sweet, and it’s nice to be thought of as a teacher that a student likes to have as a teacher.”
Giving jerseys to their teachers is a way for the ANHS community to show appreciation and respect for them. Respect and appreciation itself are the core values around which the relationships within the school community are truly built.
The ANHS football team’s thoughtful gesture of giving their jerseys to these amazing teachers was a touching tribute to the educators who had left a lasting effect on students. This action by the football players helped serve as a reminder that the bonds formed within the ANHS school community are built on the foundations of respect, gratitude and the shared journey of personal growth and education.
