3rd annual teacher superlatives

Congratulations to this year's winners of the recently-made-annual teacher superlatives! Although we have had The Eyrie revitalized since 2014--and you can read articles right here on our website going all the way back to then!--we only started doing superlatives two years ago; but this new tradition is sure to be a lasting one.

This year, our methodology was as follows: Each student started first by selecting a teacher who has had a positive impact on them. Then, they generated a superlative title they feel that teacher is worthy of receiving. Lastly, they wrote their copy and added Honorable Mentions as they felt appropriate.

Interested parties can read the 2023 and 2024 winners by clicking the aforementioned links, but the real tea is 2025 so keep reading! Congrats again to everyone and the clear impact you have on your students.

Ms. Adongo:

Biggest Rule Follower

By Maleah H. & Jailyn R.

Ms. Adongo, who teaches math, really deserves this award because she follows the school rules and adheres to her own classroom policies really well. She isn’t just an enforcer, however; she once chased down a kid in the hall to see if he's okay, and that gesture shows the kindness of her heart that she has for the students' and her beloved school. Circling back to the rule-following moniker, everyday as kids walk down the hall she always checks for IDs and calls their teacher if they don't wear it. This shows the dedication she has for the students of AHS because she wants them to rise to the standards that have been set for them. When you enter her classroom she makes sure you follow every rule on the paper on her wall. No bags on desk, no other drink besides water, no food or snacks, raise hand to throw away trash or anything. No talking or sleeping and always adhere to the district dress code. These actions show how she wants students to always do their best and not get into trouble from the kindness of her heart. Ms. Adongo is such a good rule follower that a lot--and we mean a lot--of students talk about it.  All jokes aside, however, Ms. Adongo--even though she gets on people's nerves--she's the funniest and sweetest teacher at AHS in addition to the biggest rule follower that a teacher can be.

Honorable Mention: Dr. Boatwright

* * *

Sarah Atkins:

Best Sense of Humor

By Demetrius W.

Sarah Atkins teaches English 1, English 2, and Yearbook here at Airport High School.  Ms. Atkins has the best sense of humor because she has a great attitude, and she's never mad at anything. Ms. Atkins likes to have fun with her students, too. Even during assignments, she laughs and tells jokes or sometimes acts stuff out. She deserves this award for not being too strict and knowing how to keep a whole class happy and excited to learn new and more interesting things. 

Honorable Mention: Mr. Swindler

* * *

Mr. Burnett:

Most Likely to Tell a Good Story

By Ji’Myriah B. and Taylor M.

Burnett is a retired football coach and former Athletic Director, who came back to AHS after retiring to teach us--simply because of his enjoyment of it. He has been teaching at AHS for a couple years now, and mostly everyone has taken either his psychology and/or U.S. History class by the time they are seniors. Not only is he a good teacher, but he is a great storyteller. I had Burnett for Psychology, and I remember one time he told the best story about his wife, and his daughter. They would use his money to go shopping, as she had hearing aids, and he would call it ¨selective hearing¨.  The way he would tell it was hilarious and heartwarming, and had something to do with social studies... we think. In closing, no matter what he’s teaching, Burnett always has very intriguing stories for everything. Whether it’s a story about his wife or daughter or American history, he’s sure to regale you. 

* * *

Maj. Cobbs:

Best Builder of Future Leaders By Bryan W.

Major Cobbs, the instructor of JROTC gets this nomination as he leads by example every single day. Teaching values important for cadets such as loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity, and personal courage, not just through words but also through action. He challenges his cadets nearly every day to push their limits, believe in themselves, and motivate people to become good citizens. Because of his dedication to improving his own cadets and prepares them for the real world, I think he is the Best Builder of Future Leaders.

Honorable Mention: Sergeant Major Lanchester

* * *

Mrs. Cook:

Most Attentive

By Kameron B.

As a student, I always felt truly seen and supported in Ms. Cook’s classroom. Even though Ms. Cook was only a substitute, they filled in for Professor Felder for a good number of weeks. During this time, they listened carefully not just to what we said, but to how we said it—catching when someone was confused, excited, or unsure—and responded with patience and thoughtful guidance. Whether it was noticing a quiet student struggling in the back or pausing to help someone who needed a little extra time, Ms. Cook always made sure every voice mattered. Their attentiveness made learning feel personal, encouraged us to ask questions, and created a safe space where we knew we were understood and valued. That kind of care makes a teacher unforgettable.

Honorable Mentions: Mrs. Felder, Mrs. Fowler

* * *

Mrs. Currin:

Nicest Teacher

By Marvin P. & Alex O. 

Mrs. Currin is an art teacher here at Airport High School, and she is one of the nicest teachers . She is very caring and looks out for her students. She always comes to school with a smile, ready to work and enjoy her day. Mrs. Currin comes up with very creative activities like a paper mache turtle, pottery, and other different fun things. She loves her job and her students. She never comes to school with a bad attitude, she is always positive. She has really interesting projects and classwork.  She is very helpful when you need it. 

* * *

Professor Felder: 

Most Likely to be Remembered Forever

By Morgan M.

Professor Felder is a science teacher here at Airport High School . She's been here for a few years. Being a Science teacher requires a lot of knowledge. She not only makes sure that the assignments that she assigns are well explained but she also makes sure that she talks to you one on one if you have questions , or still don't understand . She encourages you to get help and makes sure that you get an amazing grade in her class. “ All you have to do is try” as Professor Felder would say, a lesson I will always remember. . She does many fun and interactive activities to make students work together and just enjoy their time in her class . For example , she takes her students to the lab to experience and see different things that you might not see in your everyday life through things like microscopes , test tubes , etc . I can say that Professor Felder is like a mother to not only me but to many students. She wouldn't want you to fail in any class. She wants to see you succeed and walk the stage when it's your turn . Other specific things I will never forget about her is the time I was in her class my 11th grade year and I had to go home because of a migraine and she made sure to let me know the assignments that I had to do , but she didn't just throw them at me; she let me take my time to get them done so that they could be done the right way with no complaints or worries. She has also been my shoulder to lean on in any situation, right or wrong, and she's going to make sure that if I am wrong that I know that I’m wrong, and if I’m right that I know that I’m right. She will never judge and she will always listen . I will miss her so much when I graduate, but I will never forget the impact she had on me. To quote Maya Angelou, “People will forget what you said. People will forget what you did. But people will never forget how you made them feel." That’s exactly how I will remember Professor Felder, for how she made me feel.  

Honorable Mention : Ms. Amick , Ms. Bryan, & Ms. Jackson

* * *

Mrs. Gartner:

Most Positive Attitude

By Felix C.

Mrs. Gartner is the best teacher we have in our class in 2025 employability and career readiness ever. Ms. Gartner makes us the best students we have ever had in her class. She teaches us to get a job and makes us do t-shirts and coffee.  She will be the best teacher of the career class and math or writing. She will make us happy for this week or month. She helped us at the Eyes of Eagle Cafe make the coffee, hot chocolate and some new holiday orders. She is going to be the best teacher in Airport High School ever.

* * * Most Dedicated & Resilient: Mr.Kelly

By Kassadi H. Jamarion L.

We all know Mr.Kelly as a kind, outgoing chemistry and anatomy teacher who does everything in his power to assure his students succeed. This year Mr.Kelly dealt with the tragedy of losing his wife to suicide, now he is a single father to a baby, which can be extremely stressful especially as a teacher dealing with high school students although he's dealing with all of this he still comes to work everyday smiling ready to teach us new information. These reasons are why we feel that Mr. Kelly is the most dedicated teacher--because despite what he goes through he still finds a way to push through and come to work, whether it's advice to get us through life or fun new science information, he teaches us new things each school day. Mr.Kelly continues going strong by bringing his baby to school activities, giving us all life advice, being an amazing mentor, and even taking the time out of his home life to create new fun lesson plans for us. Although Mr.Kelly went through this tremendous loss he still remains dedicated to all of us students and he continues to push through each day with strength and courage.

* * *

Ms. Martinez:

Most Hardworking

By Alma M.

Ms.Martinez. The student government sponsor and a Spanish teacher here at Airport,  does so many things around the school. She is a very hard working teacher here. For example, she helps out a lot at school and is the reason why we have all these fun events like Spirit Week, Food Fest, Buy Out, and so much more. She also attends many sports events and spends her personal time, like the weekends, getting ready for school events. Not only is she a student government teacher she also teaches Spanish, as I have stated, and she is a very fun teacher to have and does so many fun things to make her lessons better.  In short, she works hard both in and outside of the classroom.

* * * Mr. Moores-Mandigo:

Most Likely To Tell It How It Is

By Jah-Kia M.

Mr.Moores Mandigo, a Social Studies teacher here at AHS, is the type of person to be real with you and not lie to your face. He will tell you the truth at all times even when you don’t want to hear it. He's very tough on students and that's what makes him the way he is. When he talks to his students, you’ll know everything I meant and that’s why his students respect him even if they disagree with him.

* * *

Ms. Niland: Most Encouraging

By Madilyn B.

My name is Madilyn B., and I am a senior at Airport High School,  and through my years of high school I think I've only ever met one teacher deserving and worthy enough for this award: Ms. Niland! Simply an English teacher but at the same time the most encouraging teacher throughout the whole school, Ms. Niland deeply cares for her students and she greatly appreciates her job here at Airport High School, which anyone can infer through her actions. 

Ms. Niland is one of the most productive teachers as well as entertaining, and Ms. Niland knows how to keep her students motivated and engaged in the classroom. I´ve taken my English 2 class with her and my Creative Writing class with her, and I am also currently serving as  her Teacher Assistant, so I feel quite qualified to attest to Ms. Niland’s encouragement vibes. Anytime I need help or I get confused about something, Ms. Niland is always here to help and encourage me to keep going. Even through writer's block, she'll throw out ideas, giving you at least something to grasp onto when your mind is blank.  She can ignite passion with just a few of her own ideas providing that initial spark. Her encouragement is like a match in this way. 

Ms. Niland knows when she needs to provide encouragement because she studies her students deeply, knowing when they are upset or happy and whether the day needs to be a soft day for a specific person. Ms.Niland also keeps her students entertained by constantly giving new assignments, not always related to class, like decorating a poster or making a foldable to put your work into. There is never a dull moment, and her encouragement extends to tasks beyond her designated subject area. 

To continue, even though the superlative given to Ms. Niland was “most encouraging,” I also want to mention some of her other positive traits. Ms. Niland knows how to make learning fun and unstressful. Her passion for teaching is contagious and inspires me everyday to keep going and push through it. She notices every student's effort and not just grades and she makes the classroom comfortable, like it's a safe space and it's okay to make mistakes, and she pushes her students to do their best but she's kind at the same time. 

Ms. Niland doesn't just teach the subject but she helps you see what you are capable of. The way she explains things makes difficult ideas ¨click.¨ She sees her students for their character and who they truly are instead of just a student at a desk and  that's what's so amazing about her. 

In conclusion and for all the reasons aforementioned,  Ms. Niland deserves the Most Encouraging  Teacher at Airport High School award--not only being a teacher but believing in her students’ potential, even when they doubted themselves.

* * *

Ms. Owens:

Most Resilient

By Jahmarcus W.

I’m giving this award to Ms. Owens for being the most resilient teacher, and the reasons just keep stacking up. First, she’s been a teacher for decades and has managed to keep a positive attitude the whole way through. Second, as an academic studies teacher, she’s been a huge help to me and to the students around me, all while handling her own workload. But the biggest reason I chose her for this award is her incredible strength in facing breast cancer twice. The first was a couple years ago and the second was this year. This year, her doctors caught it early during a routine scan, and after November she’ll be taking a well-deserved rest until late January. For someone as sweet, kind, and tough as she is, I hope she gets the deepest rest, eats well, and enjoys every bit of this award she’s truly earned.

* * *

Mr. Samuels:

The Most Chill

By Emily H & Harper M

Mr. Samuels, who teaches Modern World History and Psychology at Airport High School, deserves the title of “Most Chill Teacher” because he stays calm and collected in every situation. No matter how chaotic the classroom gets, he never raises his voice or loses his temper, even when students are unfocused or acting immature. One specific example was during a class where students were talking loudly and not paying attention. Instead of getting angry, Mr. Samuels calmly waited and smoothly transitioned back into the lesson. He is also known for joking with students by pretending there is a quiz or major test, only to reveal a fun activity or discussion instead. These jokes help reduce stress and make students feel more comfortable in class. Even though his class feels relaxed, Mr. Samuels still manages to teach important lessons in a clear and simple way. His ability to balance learning with humor and patience is what makes him the most chill teacher at Airport High School.

* * *

Mrs. Warner:

Most Likely to Listen so hard they Deserve A Nap Award

By Natalee O.

Mrs. Warner, a popular figure here at Airport High, teaches Business Law, Personal Finance, Entrepreneurship and Fundamentals of Computing. Mrs. Warner well deserves this award because she always listens to her students' problems outside and in school, even if she's not feeling good herself. If there's a problem between students she hears them out and makes sure they fix their problems between them. For example, one time I was stressed out because I was gonna take a test and I didn't have any study techniques . She was at her desk working and she had the time to listen to me. I remember seeing her face with a very pleasant look and just listening to me. She printed a practice test version and guided me through it. This is why most students at the Airport can agree with me that she listens and is very hard to the point where she helps us even though she doesn't have to.

Honorable Mention : Kim Ritchie, Daniel Maloney

* * *

Mrs. Wrona:

Most Likely to Be a Disney Princess

By Isabella Fisher

Anyone here at Airport High School who has not met Mrs. Wrona is missing out on royalty disguised as a chorus teacher. She is extremely deserving of the title Most Likely to be a Disney Princess.

Disney princesses are known for their thoughtfulness, hardworking nature, valuing freedom, intellectuality, being social, always being able to break out into a song–and guess what? Mrs. Wrona happens to check all the boxes. One would describe her as a combination of Elsa, Rapunzel, and Belle for being strong yet gentle, independent but caring, creative, and emotionally complex. Students who have her for musical theater or chorus often describe not just her personality but her appearance as “princess-like,” thanks to her love of bright colors, sparkly and fun outfits, and her ability to sing.

Being able to present Mrs. Wrona this award is truly special, and everyone hopes to see her take the stage as a Disney princess someday.

Honorable Mention: Ms. White, the theater teacher; Mrs. Reddick, the French teacher; and Mrs. Altman, the chemistry teacher.