Teaching is a profession that tends to be under-appreciated and overlooked by many – but in honor of Teacher Appreciation Week, many LCM students are taking the time to recognize the people who have had an impact on their lives.

Sophomore Kayla Dominguez said she especially appreciates Kristi Reeves – who has been her coach in both select volleyball and LCM Volleyball. According to Dominguez, Reeves has not only helped her grow in athletics, but she has taught her many life lessons.

“She has done a lot for me throughout my life,” Dominguez said. “I have known her since I was little and I look up to her a lot, and can talk to her about anything.”

Sophomore Dalton Teeler said he looks up to his English II and Journalism I teacher, Lindsey Fruge. Although his preferred subject is Theatre, Teeler said Fruge stands out because of her kindness and how helpful she is while working on various projects.

“I’ve not just learned Journalism and English from her,” Teeler said. “She’s taught me how to be a leader.”

According to Teeler, Fruge is inspiring because she is always so determined at whatever task she is faced with.

“No matter what she’s doing, she’s doing it 100% percent,” Teeler said.

To show his thanks for going out of her way to help him in academics, Teeler said he tries to make Fruge’s job easier by obeying and listening during class.

“I want to thank her for believing in me when I didn’t believe in myself,” Teeler said.

For senior Mitch Boatner, his Government and Economics teacher has been his biggest inspiration this year.

“Mr. Perricone is my favorite (teacher) because he is a real person and not afraid to tell it like it is,” Boatner said.

Boatner sees Perricone as unbiased, practice and reasonable  – and said he is easily one of the smartest people he knows.

“He’s a real person and is not scared of calling it like he sees it,” Boatner said. “He’s taught me by example what the meaning of moderation is and I’ll never forget it or him for the rest of my life.”

Chemistry teacher Jane Dunn has inspired many students over the years, but she has especially made an impact on senior Brooke Manuel.

“She definitely makes learning fun,” Manuel said. “She works hard and cares for all her students. Also, there’s never a dull moment in her class.”

For freshman Baylea Perry, her Computer Science teacher Terry Morris is her favorite teacher because he takes the time to make sure that every student in his class understands the topic before moving on – and she also looks up to him because he is just a kind person.

“He inspires me by never quitting or giving up,” Perry said. “He always makes sure that he gives everyone a chance at completing tasks in his class.”

Perry said she has learned from Morris that if she tries hard enough to accomplish something, then she will succeed.

“I would tell Mr. Morris thank you for everything he has done for me this school year and that I look forward to more years to come,” Perry said. “He is an amazing teacher and he is just a good person to be around. I appreciate him mostly because he taught me to never give up and that the harder you work, the better outcome you will receive.”