Monday, February 10, 2014

Story glazed over educator’s role- Herald Op-Ed

Article published Feb 8, 2014

Story glazed over educator’s role


As an Animas High School student, I was, to say the least, appalled by the lack of tribute and respect paid to Michael Ackerman in the story on AHS (Herald, Feb. 1). Michael clocks countless hours at Animas, knows every student by name, inspires the students and the staff, personally shoveled the parking lot on multiple occasions, can be found at school anytime between 6 a.m. and 8 p.m. and oozes the vision and excitement of AHS.
To have his accomplishments and commitment to Animas glazed over in a meager sentence discussing solely what his job description was this year was disheartening. Michael has always given 110 percent of himself to Animas High School, and it is, in my opinion, vital we acknowledge and thank him for his ability to understand and conquer anything thrown his way, to inspire students and for his refusal to accept his job description as his list of responsibilities. So, to Michael, I say thank you for being you, for inspiring me, for changing my preconceived stereotype of high school and, for quite honestly, helping to shape who I am and where I am going. I will be forever grateful.

Shannon Etz
Oxford