Vandegrift High School senior Yaiika Fernandez, recognizing Lori Quick: “From the moment that I walked through the counselors office, Ms. Quick has always made the effort to help my transition from Boston as easy as possible. While adjusting to Vandegrift High School, she had the best interests at heart. For example, she would always invite me to eat lunch in her office while she had finished her work. Over time, these small actions and efforts had meant the world to me. Knowing that someone was always thinking about my transition and state of mind had kept a small piece of hope left inside. Ms. Quick truly made the effort to guide me through a difficult time in my life. Even though she had other students to worry about, she had always focused on my well being and made sure that I was cared for. Over the last three years, Ms. Quick had cared for me as if I was her child. Her compassion, humor and character was the fuel that drove me to succeed, and I will forever be grateful to have met her.”
Vista Ridge High School senior Joel Burke, recognizing Elizabeth Duncan: “Mrs. Duncan has been one of the most influential people in my life. She is one of those few genuine people who has an inspiring love for knowledge and what she does in life. What amazes me the most is her desire to teach kids and share her overwhelming talent. Her attitude toward history and every conversation she engages in has spread and extended to many aspects of my life. In her class, I have not only learned about the countless mistakes that plagued the European nations, but I have also learned that both school and life are meant to be fun. Her joyful, optimistic and comedically crazy personality act as a testimony for the fact that you only live once, and life is too short to worry about the small things. Although she may, or may not know it, she has a huge fan group within our school. She challenges us constantly while always encouraging us to do more. Even more impressive is how she not only talks the talk, but is able to walk the walk. Mrs. Duncan is an outstanding role model and goes above and beyond every time, without ever falling short of excellence!”
