Vista Ridge High School senior Joshua Olowoyeye, recognizing Julie Brown: "Statistics wasn’t exactly my cup of tea at the beginning of the year, despite that fact Ms. Brown managed to make the class more than just survivable but a joy to be in and a part of. She takes her job more seriously and exudes such a high regard and level of care for each child and their individual needs. Ms. Brown’s flexible mindset has shown me the importance of empathy in all things, as well as her teaching style prepping students to look out for important details and consider why we’re doing what we do. Rather than regurgitating facts and formulas, Ms. Brown emphasizes her passion for what she does everyday in her teaching. All in all Ms. Brown is not only an awesome teacher but a benevolent soul who continues to redefine what being a great teacher and most importantly and good person means."
Vista Ridge High School senior Macy Fetchel, recognizing Kenny Edgar: "Mr. Edgar was the first teacher I met on the first day of freshman year and has had an immense impact on me every day since. Being my FFA Advisor, he has pushed me to get out of my comfort zone, support me with every competition and endeavor I take on, act as an advice panel when I needed help, and been there every step of the way through competitions and more. Starting freshman year I was shy, soft spoken, and lacked the confidence to speak in front of others; However, I can now confidently speak in front of others and have found my place and passions in the agriculture industry, largely thanks to Mr. Edgar and his help. He works incredibly hard, always puts students before himself, and dedicates his time and effort to developing students to see them succeed, by whatever means possible. He brings out the best qualities in students and I would not be where I am today if it weren’t for Mr. Edgars help, effort, dedication, and passion for helping students. He will always be a huge role model to me and I am forever grateful for the incredible impact he has had on my life"
Vista Ridge High School senior Natalie Mercado, recognizing Sarah Lowery: "Have you ever heard of a teacher who would take hours out of their weekend to go to a local coffee shop and help her students prepare for their test, write a letter of recommendation after school on a Friday for a student who needed it that day, inspire her students to pursue all their goals, have the passion and patience to teach a complicated subject, and be there to care, listen, and sincerely help each one of her students? All while juggling the weight of being a mother of two adorable children. Probably not, but to their defense, Mrs. Lowery sets the bar pretty high. She has taught me much more than integrals and derivatives, she taught me the importance of loving others and pursuing what is best for me. Mrs. Lowery is one of the most compassionate and driven teachers I have encountered in my educational career. She has impacted me to be the greatest version of myself and for that, I am thankful to have her as my teacher. A genuinely awesome person like Mrs. Lowery is hard to find unless you take BC Calculus at Vista Ridge High School."
