Student Nomination Story

When looking at the past, it seemed difficult to find what path I would have liked to take. The reason being is that I always went along with the path that was already presented, rather than trying to explore different interests of my own. Then as time passed, there was an increasing need for myself to improve and start to figure aspects of my future life for myself. I always had the ideas that were recommended to me, which had me always going along the generic path. As a junior in high school, being 16, it’s a matter that worried me for much of my life. It is hard trying to find what I would like to do for my life and making that big of a choice for myself. So, to be able to find a route I could take after high school was crucial for me. That is why having a teacher, such as Mr. Whiteley, was important because it allowed me to find the path I would like to take and the direction I could take. He was very understanding of the situation relating to high school and stresses that we as students may endure during school with other classes. It’s something that I did not see in many other teachers- being supported by people's interest and character and making sure to leave room for his classroom to let this knowledge through. He, as a teacher, also sparked interest within me to pursue computer science, which beforehand I never really put too much thought into. He opened my point of view beyond the subject itself and opened the opportunity for what that program could offer. He made sure the classroom assignments always showed interest within the subject, rather than doing the bare minimum for a classroom. That aspect of his class and the lessons taught throughout the class stuck with me throughout the past few school years. I’m appreciative of the opportunity he brought to my attention and now have a better understanding of what path I would like to go down in my life. Now I am not restricted or worried about the generic path that was already laid out before me. He allowed me to understand the importance of different aspects of life, maybe not with admiration but rather an appreciation. Such as school itself, before I had a very narrow view. Now I know they serve their own individual purpose in life, and although I may not use every little thing, I am able to understand how I could utilize it for the future. Since attending his class, I know which road I would like to take. He helped take away that worry for myself of knowing what I would like to do. That is why I truly appreciate my teacher, Mr. Whiteley.

Fernando Balderas

As I was failing most of my classes during this pandemic, he was the only teacher to reach out to me and ask if he could help me in any way. After that, he motivated me to do better and he also gave me a second chance in his class. I've had his class for about 3 years now and every year he has been my favorite teacher. He goes out of his way to help others even if it doesn't benefit him. He has always made class fun and has always been the only class that I looked forward too.

Angel Luna

Hello, my name is Perla Magallon. I’ve never been very excited about school because although I like school, I’ve never had the motivation to try. I would only do well enough to get okay grades even though I know I was capable of doing more than that. My biggest concern about school before I met Mr. Whiteley was always that I was easily distracted and did not believe I could do anything with my life. My teacher is special because he was always there when I needed it. When I got in trouble or could not get something done, he always gave me a hand accompanied with a speech. I never had a solid dream, I just wished to graduate high school so my parents would not be disappointed. He convinced me that I should not think like that and to do good for myself. He was the only teacher that would guide me when I thought I could not keep going. My most difficult years were sophomore and junior year. Sophomore year I had someone that even though was my best friend, was also my biggest distraction. When we fell out I was even more distracted. I could not focus on school because I was always thinking too much. Mr. Whiteley’s constant reminder was that he believed in me and helped me overcome that very difficult stage. I thought I would not be able to pass my AP CPA test, but I did and I could not have done it without him. During this school year, Pre-Calc was constantly kicking my behind. But, he helped me. This was a class that had nothing to do with him. I am grateful to Mr. Whiteley because I know that without him I would have not been able to pass several classes. School is not just a way to make my parents proud anymore. School, to me now, is a pathway to better myself and my future. My dreams for my future have changed because of him. I know that I will be going into college for my computer science degree.

Perla Magallon

To see more exceptional teacher nominees, visit The Honor Roll.