by Charley Johnson
As the Class of 2025 prepares to graduate, many seniors are reflecting on the people who made their past four years unforgettable. For many, their greatest influences stood at the front of the classroom.
Mrs. Branch:
For senior Hayden Davis, no teacher had a larger impact on her than Ms. Branch. Davis expressed that “She’s always been there for me through everything, and she is a very supportive teacher.” From helping Davis grow her love of art to encouraging her to incorporate art into her future college career, Mrs. Branch had a “lasting impact on [Davis’s] life.”
Mr. Felton:
Senior Maria Dayton believes that the teacher who impacted her life the most was Mr. Felton. Dayton described how Mr. Felton “pushed me to grow each day–he helped me with my drive, not only for weightlifting but in life. [He] showed me that I can keep going each day.” Whether it was in the Weight Room or outside of it, Mr. Felton’s lessons about hard work, drive, and perseverance stuck with Dayton.
Mr. Norfolk:
Many students also pointed to Mr. Norfolk’s impact; seniors Ilya Jonas and Alora Edie both expressed the positive impact that Mr. Norfolk left on them. Edie noted how “He is so outgoing, and he listens to what I have to say and he’s very supportive.” Similarly, Jonas claimed that he “really liked his class because he is fun and nice and friendly, and [he] can be [himself] with him.” Mr. Norfolk’s pancake parties also seemed to be a big crowd pleaser, leaving many seniors with joyful high school memories.
Mr. Harven:
Not only were students impacted by the teachers at Northern High School, but some were shaped by their teachers at CTA. Isabella Coxspace expressed that Mr. Harven helped with her drive to turn in schoolwork, benefiting her academics in so many ways.
As the Patriots walk across the stage, they carry so much more than diplomas–they carry the lessons, encouragement, and inspiration of the teachers who believed in them. These impacts will last long after the final bell rings, shaping their adult life to come.