Teens in LDS Church treat teachers
Noah Sandstrom and English teacher Steve Mathis share a laugh at Liberty Middle School. CONTRIBUTED
MADISON – Everyone likes a little acknowledgment for a job well done, and teachers in Madison got that very gesture by teenagers from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) in Madison.
“April may bring showers for May flowers, but April also rained showers of praise for local teachers from four schools including Columbia and Mill Creek elementary schools, Liberty Middle School and James Clemens High School,” Reed Carpenter said. Carpenter coordinates public affairs and media for the LDS church.
“Teenagers showed their appreciation for teachers who touched their lives. Youth nominated a current or former teacher who made a significant impact on their lives,” Carpenter said. “The youth organized this special event to honor their most influential teachers.”
Students and parents gathered with teachers, spouses and friends to celebrate the teachers “who bless the lives of so many. The students conducted the entire program and provided musical numbers,” Carpenter said about the youth at Liberty.
Youth spoke about the value of learning and the importance of education. Special musical numbers included a cello solo and songs by two youth choirs.
“The students then presented each teacher with a heartfelt statement about why they were so special, and the teachers received a unique candle made by the students,” he said.
Among the people in the audience, student Noah Sandstrom shared jokes and free time with English teacher Steve Mathis. Tyler Bagley, Zoe Soerenson and Italya Tenny showed their thanks to the dedication of choir teacher Marla Jenkins.
After the gathering, the teachers commented on how overwhelmed they felt by the recognition. “Words such as ‘awesome,’ ‘fabulous,’ ‘outstanding,’ ‘touching’ and ‘wonderful’ came from the teachers recognized,” Carpenter said.
Some teachers said this time of year was particularly stressful because of standardized testing, lots of paperwork and extra hours. The event “gave them a real boost to receive the timely recognition. Many needed a pat on the back around this part of the school year,” Carpenter said.
“Tears of gratitude flowed and many shared hugs. It was a truly magical evening for all involved,” he said.
