Last Tue, Sept. 21, the Varsity Softball team hosted a Teacher Appreciation night to honor teachers whom the players have chosen as having a strong impact on their education experience. One such player, Barbi Bateman, sent her letter to English teacher Jani Wilkens

“She is a really cool teacher and she is so good at teaching,” Bateman said. “We wanted a way to show teachers we appreciate them.”

The idea came from Varsity coach Janelle Louis, who thought that there needed to be more of a connection between good students and good athletes.

“Lewis thought that any type of athletic situation has student athletes, and she thought it would be nice for the girls to recognize the teachers that had an impact on the girls lives,” Head Coach Bob Donahue said. “When you tie athletics to education, it is a win-win.”

The teachers were given t-shirts and will receive a program with the letters from the girls in them at the game. For many teachers, the appreciation has vindicated the hard work that they do.

“It was a pleasant surprise,” Wilkens said. “I wish that more groups did it. It made me feel good about what I do.”

Kevin Beerman