These two simple words can never truly show how much you are appreciated but...thank you.

Thank you for making learning interesting.

I still remember some of the catchy songs I learned in elementary and middle school that helped me grasp onto certain concepts (like the preposition song sung to the tune of Yankee Doodle.) In my middle school history class, we got to bring in "current events" on Friday's that we found in newspapers or online.

I loved getting to cut out stories, paste them on construction paper, and present it to the class. Little did I know, you were teaching me the importance of knowing what is going on in our world. Even in high school, teachers still found ways to make the lessons interesting (like letting the class act out certain parts of the play we were reading in class.)

Thank you for making sacrifices.

Somehow, some way, you manage to balance the duties of the classroom along with everything else you have going on in your life. That in itself is A LOT. To my teachers that sponsored extracurricular clubs, thank you for finding a way to work that into your busy schedule. Those extracurriculars made me the leader I am today and gave me the confidence in myself that I have today.

To my coach, thank you for sacrificing SO MUCH of your time. It did not go unnoticed; I wish I knew how to thank you because you made it possible for me to enjoy the sport I love! To the teachers who sacrificed personal time to help put on events for students, thank you! Thank you, to all teachers, for making so many sacrifices from your personal life for your students each and every day.

Thank you for never giving up.

More times than not, I probably complained about not wanting to be at school and not wanting to do any work. Somehow, through all of that complaining, you managed to push through and continue to teach. When I couldn't grasp a concept in class, you persisted until I did. When senioritis hit HARD in the spring semester of senior year, you helped me finish strong.

Even on your own bad days, you found a way to continue to teach (and not just because it was your job but because you truly care about each of your students and their education.)

Thank you for being supportive both inside and outside the classroom.

Whether I had a rough day and needed to talk to someone or I was excited about a good grade on a test, you took the time to listen. You treated me just like all of your other students, but you also were there to lend a helping hand when I needed it most. It is so amazing to know that you support your students in many different ways, both inside and outside of the classroom.

If I ever had questions due to missing class because of a sporting event I was involved in, you took the time to remind me that school should come first and then answered my questions. I've realized that you were not being harsh, but you were reminding me of what was really important to my future. But it was also encouraging to look up into the stands during a game and see you supporting me athletically as well as academically in the classroom.

So, to all teachers, I hope you know just how appreciated you are this week and every week! Happy Teacher Appreciation Week!!