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Acknowledging Excellence in Education
Each month, our Student Council plays a pivotal role in honoring the hard work and dedication of both students and teachers through a series of awards. For February 2025, the spotlight was on winter athletes among students and winter coaches among faculty members. This month’s awards not only celebrate individual achievements but also foster a sense of community and motivation within the school.
Senior Students of the Month
The Senior Students of the Month program is designed to recognize two outstanding seniors each month. The selection is made through nominations and voting by Student Council members from grades 9 to 11, ensuring that the voices of the younger students are heard. For February 2025, the accolades went to Madison Marusic and Zack Petucci. Their nominations were a testament to their academic excellence, leadership qualities, and contributions to school spirit.
High School Teacher of the Month
Alongside the student awards, the High School Teacher of the Month award celebrates an exceptional educator each month. This award is determined through nominations and voting from Student Council members across grades 9 to 12. All recipients become potential candidates for the prestigious Teacher of the Year award, announced in June. For February 2025, the honor went to Lynnsey Buckley, an inspiring English teacher in the 10th grade, recognized for her dedication to fostering a love of learning.
Meet Lynnsey Buckley: A Passionate Educator
When asked about her journey into teaching, Lynnsey shared that her inspiration came from a lifelong love for learning. She recalls her excitement for reading and exploring new concepts, which ignited her desire to instill the same passion in her students. Lynnsey’s teaching philosophy emphasizes creating an engaging environment where students feel free to ask questions and engage critically with the material. Her approach includes hands-on learning experiences and integrating diverse perspectives, enhancing students’ curiosity and ownership of their education.
Building Relationships
Lynnsey believes that establishing positive relationships with students is essential for fostering a supportive classroom environment. She enhances this connection through involvement in extracurricular activities, including coaching volleyball and advising the junior class and school newspaper. By engaging with students outside the classroom, she creates meaningful relationships that extend beyond academic settings.
Coaching: A Natural Extension of Teaching
As a coach for the volleyball team, Lynnsey has found that her teaching methods translate well into sports. During her second year of coaching, she aims to build a strong, competitive, and supportive program. Lynnsey’s passion for volleyball, which she played throughout high school and college, allows her to inspire her students and athletes to embrace the sport and develop their skills.
Balancing Responsibilities During Winter
Managing the dual roles of teacher and coach during the demanding winter season can be challenging. Lynnsey emphasizes the importance of organization and setting clear priorities. By utilizing a planner, she manages her schedule effectively while remaining flexible to adapt when unexpected challenges arise, such as Upstate New York’s unpredictable winter weather.
Impacting Student Lives
Reflecting on her experiences, Lynnsey recalls a particularly memorable moment when she positively impacted a student-athlete struggling with mental health. By providing support and understanding, she helped the student find motivation through volleyball. This experience reinforced her belief in the profound impact that sports and a supportive coach can have on a student’s overall well-being.
Core Values in Team Dynamics
In her coaching philosophy, Lynnsey emphasizes core values such as teamwork, dedication, and resilience. She instills these principles through open communication during practices and by setting achievable team goals. Celebrating both individual and team successes, she encourages her athletes to support one another, reinforcing the idea that collaboration is key to success.
Teaching and Coaching: A Symbiotic Relationship
Coaching has enhanced Lynnsey’s teaching approach, providing insights into motivating diverse learners. The values she promotes in the classroom, such as perseverance and collaboration, are mirrored on the volleyball court. This reciprocal influence allows her to communicate effectively with her athletes, whether breaking down skills or encouraging strategic thinking during competitive moments.
Community Engagement and Service
Lynnsey believes in the importance of giving back to the community. As both a teacher and a coach, she actively encourages her students to participate in school events and local service projects. Initiatives like rebuilding the school newspaper have provided students with opportunities to engage with the community, promoting events such as blood drives and clothing donations. Through these activities, she aims to instill a sense of responsibility and pride in making a positive impact beyond the classroom and court.
Goals for the School Year
Lynnsey’s goals for the remainder of the school year focus on cultivating a love for learning among her students while helping her volleyball team enhance their strengths. She aims for her students to leave her class feeling more confident in their writing and critical thinking abilities. For her athletes, continuous improvement, both individually and as a cohesive unit, is essential. To achieve these objectives, Lynnsey plans to maintain engaging lessons, foster open communication, and provide opportunities for practice and bonding during the offseason. Ultimately, her commitment extends beyond academics and athletics, as she strives to support her students’ personal growth and resilience.