At the “Staff Appreciation Night” game on September 28, Gorham High School varsity football players were encouraged to recognize a staff person who has made a positive impact on their high school career up to this point. Coach Sam Morrison said, “I learned about this when I coached in Virginia and it was a good way to show appreciation to a staff member as well as have them come see you play! I mentioned it to Coach Hager as well as the Administration and they kind of let me just run with it.”
The players picked a variety of staff, not necessarily picking a teacher or staff member they had, but choosing someone based on how that person made them feel. The staff members chosen wore the student’s jersey to school on game day and many attended the game that night to cheer the boys on.
Photo credit Ryan WattsVarsity football players pose with the staff who helped celebrate Staff Appreciation Night.
Senior Jacob Benson chose his Mandarin 4 teacher, Bei Ju. She introduced him to the Chinese characters and taught him how to interact with a native speaker should he get the chance. Being in her class intrigued him to learn more about not only the language but the culture of Chinese civilization, and he is now hoping to pursue an Asian Studies minor in college. According to Benson, Ju is just a positive person to be around.
Senior Nate Burchill picked Paula Suttle because even though she has never taught him she is always around in the hallways asking him how he is doing and making sure he is having a positive experience at school.
Senior Ethan Stump picked Neile Nelson because she is a teacher that has taken the time to get to know him even though he has not had many classes with her. Nelson is always asking him about the season or how his offseason is going and is one of the biggest staff supporters.
Junior Joey Hansen picked Jessica Allen because he said she really made English class a fun and enjoyable experience for him.
Coach Morrison hopes this becomes an annual event for the players and staff.