Page 10 February 2 014 Hopi student nominates her favorite teacher By Kathleen Shipman Fifth grader Jillian Pond has fond memories of her days in third grade at Hopi Elementary School, especially when it comes to her teacher Ms. Whitney Keeler. Although she has since moved on from her class, Jillian took the time to nominate Ms. Keeler for the Arcadia News Teachers We Love Award. “She’s not only a great teacher, but she was my best friend all year,” said Jillian. “I came here not knowing anybody and she greeted me with a big smile.” For Ms. Keeler, developing a close relationship with her students is an important part of teaching. You can tell how much love and compassion she has for her students by watching her interact with them. It’s because of this special bond that students such as Jillian never forget Ms. Keeler. “We always like to think of ourselves as a family,” said Keeler. “I spend so much time with them that they end up being my best friends for a whole school year.” The students in Ms. Keeler’s class develop a love for learning through her enthusiastic teaching style. Her belief in making education fun and enjoyable has an effect on the children, giving them the desire to want to come to school every day. The safe environment she provides in her classroom also contributes to her students’ ability to learn without fear. This allows her third graders to think outside of the box. “It’s shocking. If you give them the chance they will come up with the most unbelievable thought provoking questions and answers,” said Keeler. “Just because they’re in third grade doesn’t mean that they don’t have wonderful ideas.” Building character is a theme that is focused upon in this third grade class. One of the lessons Ms. Keeler teaches her kids is the importance of giving back to the community. Helping elderly neighbors, walking dogs, and volunteering in the Life Skills class at Hopi, are just a few of the projects that the students partake in. The faculty at Hopi Elementary School also takes notice of Ms. Keeler’s passion for teaching. The Administrative Secretary, who just so happens to be Ms. Keeler’s Mom, can especially appreciate her daughter’s exuberance for her job. “It comes through that she has a great heart and is a positive thinker. It glows from inside of her,” said Linda Keeler. The long lasting impression Ms. Keeler has on her students is what makes her deserving of the Arcadia Teachers We Love Award. This is especially true for Jillian, who will never forget her days as a third grader in Ms. Keeler’s class. Teachers chosen for the Arcadia News Teachers We Love award receive a $125 gift certificate to Salon Sandoval, dinner for two at The Henry and an invitation to an end of the year luncheon for the year’s winners. Jillian Pond nominated her third grade teacher for the Arcadia News Teachers We Love Award be- cause of the positive impact she made on her life two years ago. Teacher of the Month Jillian’s parents joined in to help award Miss Keeler. Adventures in Lifelong Learning Classes, lectures, speakers, travel and adventures for people “50 & better” Spring Term March 11—April 11, 2014 REGISTER NOW Keynote Speaker Breakfast Justice Sandra Day O’Connor March 1, 2014 $20 includes event and breakfast CALL NOW 480-991-6424 ext. 165 www.EncoreUniv.org A ministry of Valley Presbyterian Church Location: 6947 East McDonald Drive Paradise Valley AZ 85253 www.EncoreUniv@myvalleychurch.org

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