It’s a tradition at Bishop Kearney H.S., Bensonhurst, for each freshman to write about a teacher who has made a difference in her life.

These teachers are invited to a reception in their honor, during the spring semester. Students are excited to have the opportunity to thank those who have supported and inspired them in the past, and the teachers are delighted to know that their efforts are appreciated. Freshman Emma Schoppmeyer, from St. Ephrem School in Dyker Heights, echoed the sentiments of all the Kearney girls during the ceremony. Here is what she said:

“My name is Emma Schoppmeyer and I am a freshman at Bishop Kearney High School. We are gathered here today to honor and thank our teachers for all the hard work and effort they have put into our education. They have deeply impacted our lives in a special way. I am excited to be here and to welcome them to Bishop Kearney.

A teacher, by definition, is simply a person who teaches. None of us would be here today if it wasn’t for the work of our teachers. They are the ones who motivated us to strive for excellence and encouraged us to do our absolute best. They are the ones who put their faith in us and let us know that we could achieve anything. They eased our transition into high school by holding us responsible for learning, teaching us strategies for working independently and providing us with a more challenging curriculum.

They instilled in us good values, respect for others and taught us to make positive wise choices and molded us into becoming successful high school students. Their extensive knowledge and experience have broadened our minds and will help us throughout our lives.

Life is a challenge that we are encouraged to meet and because of that, it is essential that we have models in our lives that set an example for us, help us and reassure us. I know I will always remember my math teacher, Mrs. Emeh. I have to admit that I never really liked math, but Mrs. Emeh inspired me not to give up and that helped me to excel in the subject.

I know everyone here has a story about a teacher who made an extra effort to shape her life in an important way. Aside from their jobs as educators, they developed a personal connection with us. We learned that there is much more to education. We were reassured by our teachers that we are significant and that we do have something to contribute in this world. Our teachers showed us that we are all unique and special in our own way and taught us how we can live our lives happily and respectfully.

So, today we would like to thank you for making a difference and being the guiding light in our lives, for encouraging us to follow our dreams and to never lose hope and for doing your very best in giving us an education and setting us up for success. We know that we found guidance, friendship, discipline and love in one person – you.”