By CRISTINA JANNEY
Hays Post
Amy Haskell, fifth-grade teacher at O’Loughlin Elementary School, was nominated by her students as well as some of their parents for the Best of the Best award.
Most of those students showed up at the Hays school board meeting Monday night to honor her and thank her for being their teacher.
“Our whole class nominated Mrs. Haskell, because we thought she was a really good teacher and she made all of our school work really fun,” said student Marisa Wasinger. “We didn’t just read out of textbooks. She helped everyone in our class grow a lot and helped us all out a lot through the past two years.
“She really deserves this award because she really has been one of my favorite teachers. She has a really good personality, but when it is needed, she is strict. Those are just a couple of reasons that Mrs. Haskell will be a teacher that I will remember.”
Other students said Haskell made learning fun and she uses voices when she reads the children books. The children also said Haskell cheers them on through their extra curricular activities, such as sports.
“Mrs. Haskell is the most humble teacher that I have ever had,” Mason Schleicher said. “She always likes to laugh around with us and play outside with us. You always laughs and she barely ever gets mad, so she is the most favorite teacher I have had yet.”
Student Ian Irwin said Haskell was the kind of teacher that makes you want to get out of bed in the morning, because she does not stress her students out.
The students were also eager to report when Haskell is particularly proud of them, she buys them doughnuts.
Another student said Haskel makes her smile every day.
The students concluded by thanking Haskell for helping them grow in school.
Haskell said, “It is such a gift to know I have made such an impact on these children and their families and that I am not so mean it sounds like. I love my job. I wish everyone could say that. These kids, you guys, make my job so much fun, and you are the reason I get up in the morning and come to school and plan fun things for you. I love you guys.
“One of you made a poster in fourth grade that said ‘Family’ for our classroom, and I think that is what we are. It is easy to be a teacher and spend every day with you guys. You make it fun. Thank you for nominating me and taking the time to do this.”
Taryn Bieker, Roosevelt fourth-grader, was named as April’s student Best of the Best.
She was nominated by her teacher Jeff Welch.
“I nominated Taryn because since the beginning of the school year, she is truly someone who goes above and beyond in everything she does. She is a very kind, empathetic and dedicated student and someone any teacher would be happy to have in their class,” he said. “I know she makes my job a lot easier and a lot more enjoyable on a daily basis. It was an easy choice to nominate her for such an award. I am very proud of her.”