PHOTO: Former Second-Grade Teacher Jessica Hubbard is shown a decade ago when Kelly was her student at Mabel Rush. Kelly is now a senior at Newberg High School, and Hubbard is now a Reading Specialist and Interventionist at Mabel Rush.
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There are an overwhelming number of amazing staff employed in the Newberg-Dundee School District. Many teachers and staff members throughout the School District have had a profound impact on my life. Below are just a few of the individuals who have changed my life for the better.
One of the Newberg staff members I am beyond grateful to have in my life is, without a doubt, Mrs. Tolley. She runs the Business Program at Newberg High School. I have known Mrs. Tolley since I joined her Entrepreneurship Class three years ago as a sophomore. Outgoing, kind, funny, and charismatic are just some of the words that describe her. Mrs. Tolley is invested in her work and involved in just about everything at NHS. She is selfless and would do anything for her students. Throughout my time at NHS, I found myself forecasting for as many of her classes as possible. I look forward to her class every day and always leave with a smile on my face.
Additionally, I have learned so much from her and will carry the lessons she has taught me throughout my adult life. Any student who has had Mrs. Tolley as a teacher will also praise her extensively. It is common to find students sitting around her desk every day asking her for advice on just about everything. I will miss her immensely when I graduate and wish her nothing but the best.
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Another Newberg staff member whom I adore is my guidance counselor, Mrs. Kantz. She was a new addition as a guidance counselor to NHS when I was a freshman in the 2020-2021 school year. Her kindness and friendly nature were reassuring when I began my high school career and I instantly felt a connection with her. I have always felt welcome when in her company because she is available to talk whenever I need forecasting advice.
Mrs. Kantz has only added positivity to my already amazing high school experience and helped me to grow as a person throughout my four years at NHS. She has furthered my success in school by providing guidance and recommendations about the classes I should take and how to be successful in the college application process. One of the reasons I am prepared for college is due to her great advice regarding high school classes. I am very grateful to have such an amazing high school counselor and I wish her all the best.
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The last Newberg staff member I would like to highlight is one of my elementary school teachers, Mrs. Hubbard. I have known Mrs. Hubbard for nearly a decade, she was my second-grade teacher at Mabel Rush Elementary, but she is now the Reading Specialist and Interventionist at the school. Although she was my teacher many years ago, I still think about how amazing she is and the impact she made on my life. It brings a smile to my face every time I get an opportunity to catch up with her. She is truly meant for teaching, as it shows in her dedication to her students every day.
Mrs. Hubbard is one of the kindest and most thoughtful individuals I have met in my life. She genuinely cares about her students and wants them to succeed. Despite the potential for chaos in a second-grade classroom, Mrs. Hubbard maintains a calm and patient attitude, which is important to have when teaching young kids. Her ability to remain positive in any scenario is a trait that I strive for and one that more people should possess. It is clear that Mrs. Hubbard found her calling as a teacher, and I hope she continues her profession for many more years. I am so appreciative of the impact she made on my life and the person she helped me become as an adult. I wish a future of nothing but love and happiness for her.
I am beyond grateful for the overwhelming number of amazing staff within the Newberg School District who I have encountered over the years. There are countless examples of the impact that some of the staff have made on my life and the lives of hundreds of students. People like Mrs. Tolley, Mrs. Kantz, and Mrs. Hubbard may not even realize the profound and lasting impact that they make on students each and every day. They have all contributed positively to my life, along with so many other teachers and staff. I am forever grateful for the numerous teachers and staff within the Newberg-Dundee School District who have helped shape me into the person I am today.