In light of teacher appreciation week, which runs from May 3-7, The Wildcat Word staff sent out a survey offering students the opportunity to thank a teacher. Here is a sampling of what they had to say. An e-mail with all responses will be sent directly to teachers. 

Mrs. Taborsak has inspired me. She is very hardworking and gives her hundred percent to help her students. – Fiza Shakil ‘21 

Dear Mrs. McGill: Thank you for being very understanding throughout this peculiar school year. I’m so grateful to have you as my teacher, who challenges me, gives great feedback and makes class very interesting and engaging. From you, I feel like I’m a better writer and understand the world of literature a bit better! Thank you for your hard work and dedication. Thank you for all you do. I’m forever grateful for all you do! – Jennifer Pires ‘22

Shout out to Mr. Trainor, You make chemistry a little less boring. – Tyler Kellerman ‘22

Ms. Taborsak has inspired me to be a better student, but more importantly to be patient and kind with others and myself. I am thankful that I had the opportunity to work with her in sophomore and junior year English classes. I am also lucky to have her as Key Club Advisor. She is an amazing educator, role model, and leader at Bethel High School. I will miss her very much next year. – Kaela Herzog ‘21

Lieutenant Commander Dwinells and Master Sargent Meehan taught me to live my life to the fullest and never be ungrateful for a bad day because they say to me, “You’re alive, aren’t you? Then be grateful for it. There are so many kids out there who died at your age, and every one of them would be grateful for one more day on earth, even if it is a bad one.” Thank you Lieutenant Commander Dwinells and Master Sargent Meehan for reminding me to be grateful every day of my life. – Esther Ribiero ‘24

Mr. Collison, I really appreciate you, everytime I need help with school or just my day you are there and are so supportive with my work. Thank you for always asking how my day is, it makes my whole day! Thank you, Mr. Collison! – Nina LaBarbera ‘24

Ms. Franzese because she is just a young teacher who is always in a great mood when she comes to school, and always pushes me to do my best! – Maggie Mossop ‘21

Mrs. Riccardone: During all my years as a student, including those when I was in Brazil, I never liked literature and I always struggled. Since the first day of school, when I found out that I would have to write essays in a language that I could hardly speak and it was the subject that I hated, I thought: “I am screwed” but that was not what happened. Mrs. Ricciardone made the class that I hated the most become one of the classes that I like the most. I still don’t like literature, but I really like to watch and be in that class. I also want to say thank you, because you have been helping me a lot, more than you think, and teaching me as none of my teachers has done before. I am really grateful to have you as a teacher, you really made the more difficult school year of my life,  something I have been able to really enjoy. Thank you so much! – Pedro Coehlo ‘24

Ms. Kaye is very understanding and she makes me feel comfortable when I’m around her. – Macie Mietz ‘24

Ms. Landy, Mr. Ferrandino, Mrs. Richardson, Mr. Wilda, Mr. Fernandes, Ms. Issa, and Mrs. Merrill, the Commander, Master Sergeant, and Ms. Taborsak helped me throughout the school year. They helped me in tough situations with my assignments and if it wasn’t for these teachers, I wouldn’t have the grades that I have now, and I wouldn’t be the same person if it wasn’t for these teachers. – John Araujo ‘23

Dr. Issa has inspired me because she truly cares about her students and works hard to make sure everyone understands what they are doing. She dedicates much time to her students and her work. – Samantha Rioux ‘24

Ms. Burke: I just wanted to say thank you! Throughout the year I have been fully distanced and it has been a huge struggle but you have managed to make it a little easier. Your check-ins and words of encouragement have helped me tremendously. They have kept me on track and motivated and helped me stay in good spirits. This past year has been difficult for everyone but you have made a difference in mine! – Marianna Vieira ‘23

Mrs.Turek: Even though she’s a newer teacher this year she has been so helpful since I’m a full-distance learner and all she does is make me laugh and feel appreciated. I can’t wait to meet her because she’s the reason why I took Culinary II in the first place.

 – Hannah McGuire ‘23

Mrs. Kenney is by far one of the best teachers I have ever had. She deeply cares about each and every one of her students and always wants the best for them. Her teaching abilities are amazing and she continuously goes out of her way to make sure you understand the content she is teaching the best you can! – Samantha Platz ‘24

Dear Mrs. Ciskowski:  I am not sure if you remember me but I had you for freshman year when you had to substitute for the last few months for my class. I just wanted to say thank you for believing that I can achieve more in math. Thanks to you I am now able to take two AP math courses this year. You have inspired me to work hard and to know that nothing is impossible. Thank you so much for believing in me. 

– Allison Rodriguez-Brown ‘21

One teacher that always has an enjoyable class is Mr. Fox. He is a wonderful teacher and is always looking for ways to improve. Time and time again people are always noticing how wonderful of a teacher he is and it’s all true. Thank you for one of the best classes I have, my love for science stems from your teaching.  – Ella Burns-DeMelo ‘23