They say the impact of a good teacher can never be erased. Getting a student from point A to point B takes a lot of strategy and support in all aspects of that student’s life. Whether they need support educationally, emotionally, or personally, having a trusted adult at school lend a hand to help you out means a lot to our students at GRC.

In 2022, former principal and current Clark County Director of Pupil Personnel Mr. Jamie Keene started the annual Difference Makers Dinner. This is an event where seniors are given the opportunity to invite a school employee that has made a lasting impact in their lives, write them a letter, and present them with a gift.

“I wanted to do something because I had seen how much staff poured into our kids,” Mr. Keene said. “Just how much they care, go above and beyond, and try to make that difference in kids’ lives.”

It’s an honor to be told your hard work and dedication is paying off, especially from one of the students you work hard to build connections with. However, our seniors put much thought into their decision and love highlighting someone that helped them along the way. This is clear in why senior Zander Miller chose Mrs. Sarah Osborne as his difference maker.

“She’s the only teacher that has been there for me when I’m going through something,” Miller said. “I can always talk to her truthfully.”

It’s no secret that running a school system takes many hands. No matter what role these staff members play in the building, they strive to build relationships with their students.

Senior Advisor Mrs. Erin Newton worked hard to put this event together. She said she loves getting to highlight those efforts.

“Every year, people from every position within the school system are recognized,” Mrs. Newton said. “From teachers to bus drivers to cafeteria workers to our administrative staff. It’s awesome to see that every single position within the school system makes a difference in kids’ lives.”

Alongside the many bus drivers and teachers our students chose to honor this year, senior Izzie Herringshaw chose her long-time school counselor, Mr. Mickey Little.

“He ran a program at my [elementary] school called the Student Lighthouse Team where students’ voices were heard, we gave tours, and we just learned a lot about ourselves and our community,” Herringshaw said. “I’ve learned that when you’re young, your voice matters and that you make an impact on your community and your school.”

Different from past years, this year, students got to spend the entirety of the event conversing and spending time with their respective difference maker. This allowed students to catch up with those they honored if they hadn’t seen them in a while and show their families exactly why they picked that particular person. 

Instructional Specialist Mrs. Ruthann Sharrock helped coordinate this dinner and she said this event means so much to both parties.

“This year, we gave students and their honorees the entire event to visit,” Mrs. Sharrock said. “It was great to see everyone connecting, reminiscing, and enjoying their time together.” 

Many students also picked educators and staff members outside of GRC. Former GRC science teacher Mr. Schulte made a lasting impact on many students in our school. He said he tries to make an impact on his students by being authentic. 

“That’s the biggest thing you can do is to be real, to be honest,” Mr. Schulte said. “Everyone needs to be treated like a person, and what some people might think is insignificant because of their age, it’s still feelings that need to be expressed.” 

Family and Consumer Science teacher Mrs. Olivia McArter said she tries to keep her classroom positive and open for her students. 

“I try to instill confidence in them to make the right choices and believe in themselves,” Mrs. McArter said. “Sometimes we all need a boost, and students are no different. I have high expectations for my students, but reminding them that they are able and capable helps them reach their goals. I always listen when they need to talk because you never know if you’re the only adult they feel like they can trust.”

Earning this award takes much dedication and love for the job. GRC science teacher Mrs. Miranda Cord said it’s always a humbling experience. 

“Teaching is a demanding profession, and being invited back for multiple years is a powerful reminder of why I do this,” Mrs. Cord said. “Knowing that I have influenced a student’s life beyond just the biomed material is the greatest reward I could receive.”

They say the impact of a good teacher can never be erased. Getting a student from point A to point B takes a lot of strategy and support in all aspects of that student’s life. Whether they need support educationally, emotionally, or personally, having a trusted adult at school lend a hand to help you out means a lot to our students at GRC.

In 2022, former principal and current Clark County Director of Pupil Personnel Mr. Jamie Keene started the annual Difference Makers Dinner. This is an event where seniors are given the opportunity to invite a school employee that has made a lasting impact in their lives, write them a letter, and present them with a gift.

“I wanted to do something because I had seen how much staff poured into our kids,” Mr. Keene said. “Just how much they care, go above and beyond, and try to make that difference in kids’ lives.”

It’s an honor to be told your hard work and dedication is paying off, especially from one of the students you work hard to build connections with. However, our seniors put much thought into their decision and love highlighting someone that helped them along the way. This is clear in why senior Zander Miller chose Mrs. Sarah Osborne as his difference maker.

“She’s the only teacher that has been there for me when I’m going through something,” Miller said. “I can always talk to her truthfully.”

It’s no secret that running a school system takes many hands. No matter what role these staff members play in the building, they strive to build relationships with their students.

Senior Advisor Mrs. Erin Newton worked hard to put this event together. She said she loves getting to highlight those efforts.

“Every year, people from every position within the school system are recognized,” Mrs. Newton said. “From teachers to bus drivers to cafeteria workers to our administrative staff. It’s awesome to see that every single position within the school system makes a difference in kids’ lives.”

Alongside the many bus drivers and teachers our students chose to honor this year, senior Izzie Herringshaw chose her long-time school counselor, Mr. Mickey Little.

“He ran a program at my [elementary] school called the Student Lighthouse Team where students’ voices were heard, we gave tours, and we just learned a lot about ourselves and our community,” Herringshaw said. “I’ve learned that when you’re young, your voice matters and that you make an impact on your community and your school.”

Different from past years, this year, students got to spend the entirety of the event conversing and spending time with their respective difference maker. This allowed students to catch up with those they honored if they hadn’t seen them in a while and show their families exactly why they picked that particular person. 

Instructional Specialist Mrs. Ruthann Sharrock helped coordinate this dinner and she said this event means so much to both parties.

“This year, we gave students and their honorees the entire event to visit,” Mrs. Sharrock said. “It was great to see everyone connecting, reminiscing, and enjoying their time together.” 

Many students also picked educators and staff members outside of GRC. Former GRC science teacher Mr. Schulte made a lasting impact on many students in our school. He said he tries to make an impact on his students by being authentic. 

“That’s the biggest thing you can do is to be real, to be honest,” Mr. Schulte said. “Everyone needs to be treated like a person, and what some people might think is insignificant because of their age, it’s still feelings that need to be expressed.” 

Family and Consumer Science teacher Mrs. Olivia McArter said she tries to keep her classroom positive and open for her students. 

“I try to instill confidence in them to make the right choices and believe in themselves,” Mrs. McArter said. “Sometimes we all need a boost, and students are no different. I have high expectations for my students, but reminding them that they are able and capable helps them reach their goals. I always listen when they need to talk because you never know if you’re the only adult they feel like they can trust.”

Earning this award takes much dedication and love for the job. GRC science teacher Mrs. Miranda Cord said it’s always a humbling experience. “Teaching is a demanding profession, and being invited back for multiple years is a powerful reminder of why I do this,” Mrs. Cord said. “Knowing that I have influenced a student’s life beyond just the biomed material is the greatest reward I could receive.”