Letter to the editor: Give your high school teachers some recognition

Mrs. Perrin.

That is my instant reply when somebody asks me who my favorite teacher was in high school.  Mrs. Perrin's vivacity and drive challenged me as an intellectual and a leader.  She taught — no, enlivened — 9th grade World History and AP U.S. History for me and pushed me to become a more critical analyst, not just student, of history.

We all could name an incredible teacher who served as an inspirational instructor and mentor.  Now is the time for you to recognize their diligence and excellence through the Distinguished Secondary Teacher Award (DSTA).

Last June, Northwestern was excited and honored to bring four exemplary high school teachers to campus who significantly impacted their students. These teachers were recognized at Commencement as the inaugural group of winners of the Distinguished Secondary Teacher Award. In October, President Morton Schapiro sent an email to us, the senior class, announcing that we will again be honoring four high school teachers at our 2012 Commencement.  

Our high school teachers prepared us for the celebratory moments and challenging times in our lives. From the hours spent outside of class reinforcing concepts to their work as club advisors and coaches, our teachers were so selfless and encouraged us to excel — and they did so with unending joy. The best teachers, like the best leaders, have an innate ability to step outside themselves and become significant forces in our lives.

Mrs. Perrin, just like hundreds of our teachers, is such a worthy recipient of the DSTA award. Seniors, let's honor our outstanding teachers by nominating them for the Northwestern University Distinguished Secondary Teacher Award. They and your high school will receive a financial award; more importantly, this will affirm the impact they have on students each year.

Nominations are due Dec. 1. Please visit teachernomination.northwestern.edu for more information and to submit a nomination.

Now is the time to give back to those who invested so much in us during high school!

Austin Young (ASG President) on behalf of the Student Members of the DSTA Committee:

Gabrielle Daniels, Andrew Duble, Zoe Goodman, Kira Hooks, Ash Jaidev, Kseniya Povod, Morgan Purrier, and Todd Siegel