It’s no secret that Groves is lucky enough to have numerous incredible educators, many of whom go throughout the year without thanks. Each year, Groves Student Congress (GSC) works to bridge that gap and showcase the school’s gratitude in their staff appreciation event.
The event features food, games and special activities such as senior to staff letter readings and multiple awards.
This year, junior Kara Clinckscale and senior Mia Racco planned the superhero-themed staff appreciation, complete with costumes, decorations, an original song and on-theme mini awards for each amazing staff member. Mexican food was catered along with cupcakes, brownies and various other sweets.
This event works to give our staff the recognition they deserve. It opens with GSC students lining the hallways outside the commons, where the event takes place, with loud cheering and clapping as attendees enter the event. Some teachers smile and wave, some do a fun dance move and a few even take a bow. It truly is heartwarming seeing our staff’s eyes lighten as they are beckoned into the venue.
As an icebreaker, the Student Congress’s Staff Appreciation Committee planned a “Who Is Most Likely To” game for teachers. For example, educators were asked, “Who is most likely to come in late with a mug of coffee?” To which Economics teacher Hunter Janness excitedly nominated himself. The room filled with laughter as teachers were nominated for various titles, bonding over the absurd designations.
Most of the staff would probably agree that the highlight is the senior-to-staff letter readings. Seniors from GSC and the general student body are selected to read personalized letters out loud to the entire staff and express their gratitude for their guidance over the past years from one specific mentor. This year consisted of six seniors, and let’s just say that tears were shed. Selected speakers included Camelia Meradi, Ashlyn Aubrey, Rachel Mordukhovich, Rhian Dansby, Katelyn Cooper and Samantha Kacin.
Another important part of Staff Appreciation is the awards that are presented to outstanding staff members. This year’s recipients were college and career counselor Jennifer Kondak and math teacher and GSC advisor Kara Mason, both extremely impactful educators who are unfortunately departing from Groves at the conclusion of this academic year. Kondak was presented with the Unsung Hero Award, given to teachers who dedicate loads of dedication to the student body, but mostly under the radar. Mason received the Lifetime Achievement award, and though many of you may expect that she knew of her coming recognition, the reality is that she was kept completely in the dark. GSC worked with teachers Laura Sheckell, John Rutherford, and, of course, Groves principal Othamian Peterson, to create the surprise. In addition, Mason’s name was permanently linked to the new Spirit Week Trophy to commemorate her incredible dedication and effort to decades of student spirit weeks and activities.
Overall, Staff Appreciation was a touching experience, and one that I’m confident that all teachers and students in attendance will remember for years to come.
