As children, we are taught to always express our gratitude — for the big things and small things, and for everything in between. However, certain people in our lives are so impactful that a “thank you” doesn’t suffice. In honor of Teacher Appreciation Week, senior AVID students at Campbell High School addressed the need of teacher appreciation by curating care packages for teachers. They even wrote letters of appreciation as a testament to their teachers’ unwavering inspiration. Here are two of them:

Dear Ms. Maurea Walsh,

Of all the essays and all the papers we’ve written, stringing together a group of words and a cluster of sentences for you was one of the hardest things we’ve ever done. No words can describe how amazingly grateful we are to have been your kids, and no amount of appreciation does you justice.

Your impact on each of our lives has been phenomenal. You keep us grounded when we dream too far into the clouds, while at the same time lifting us higher so that we can achieve our goals. At the end of the day, we know you have our best interests at heart. We find comfort knowing that, no matter what we decide to do after high school, we will have your constant love and support.

Our final chapter of high school is coming to a close, as is our final chapter under your instruction. You have made high school worthwhile, and we will never forget the enthusiasm that followed your vibrantly contagious smile. Before we part ways, we just want you to know that you deserve all the happiness in the world, and we want nothing less than for you to finally turn your dreams into a reality. You have sacrificed so many opportunities for yourself because you refused to leave us and that is the biggest sacrifice that an educator can make for their students.

We wish you the best of luck on your future endeavours.We love you, and no matter how old we become, we will always be your kids.

With hopes and dreams for the future,
Your AVID family

—

Dear Mr. Kenneth Everett,

There couldn’t have been a better person for our class to guide our sophomore minds. You inspire us to be the best versions of ourselves. You have the most compassionate heart and a gift to help your students.

In our sophomore year, you became our teacher. In the days that followed, you became our mentor. The amount of time cannot be recollected to tell you that you have become our greatest friend. Through all of our college research and the anticipation of acceptance letters, you’ve been there with nothing but support. Without you as our teacher, the idea of going to college would not be in the palm of our hands today.

As we near the end of our senior year, we would like to express our utmost thanks for preparing us for this strange event called “reality.” Looking back, we appreciate the little things you’ve empowered us with. From starting your class with an enthusiastic “Good morning, thrill seekers,” to dedicating endless hours after school so we can better our future.

You’ve molded us to become passionate leaders and taught your AVID Ohana how to see the best qualities in ourselves. There was never a day where we left your class without new knowledge to share to the world. We can’t express how much you’ve impacted our lives and created a safe place for us. Thank you for helping us grow. We will make you proud.

With love,
Your AVID Ohana

Megan Woolsey and Lauren Caday are students at Campbell High School, Class of 2018.