Page 20 - Clear Lake Mirror Reporter E-Edition 4-27-2016

�Clear Lake Mirror-Reporter • Academic Excellence 2016 • Page 2 �
Mentoring: Successful people never reach their goals alone.
SMeneniotrorMBaernthe AEunknenS&chumacher
“Tell me and I
forget, teach me
and I may re-
member, involve
me and I will
learn.” This quote in. Teaching social studies came naturally for her
said by Benjamin
Franklin brings
one person to my
mind and that
person is Mrs.
Schumacher. She
has heavily influ-
enced my educa-
tion by using her
teaching skills
and passion to inspire students like me. Mrs.
Schumacher was my American Heritage social
studies and sociology teacher during my junior
year, and her methods have still stuck with me
throughout my senior year. Instead of telling us
history fact after history fact, she told us stories
that took place during each time period that
would help us learn and remember the infor-
mation. Even though we were learning about
history, she brought it to life.
Mrs. Schumacher was not only my teacher,
but also a mentor to me and many other stu-
dents. She always had our best interests at heart
and knew when we needed some guidance.
Senior Ace Walton & Mentor Mike Lester Senior Sam Jones & Mentor Doug Thein
I’m a firm
believer that ed-
ucation extends
far beyond the
classroom. The
lessons that we
learn in high
school aren’t
limited to read-
ing, writing,
and arithmetic,
which is good
because Mr.
Mike Lester
doesn’t teach any of those things. Throughout
my four years at Clear Lake High School, I
took several industrial technology classes with
Mr. Lester. I learned about drafting and some
basic shop skills, but the most valuable lessons
that Mr. Lester taught me were about growing
up. On several occasions as an underclassman,
I came to Mr. Lester to ask for advice about
school projects or sports. Most of the time I had
a pretty good idea of what I should do and I
think he knew this, so when I asked his opin-
ion, he would tell me that I could do whatever
I want in this world, but everything has con-
sequences. By giving me this food for thought
and not just endorsing whatever resolution I was
pondering, Mr. Lester caused me to take a new
MSeneniotrorEBllireanBdoinebBeshoerismetehr &
Whenever I walked into her classroom, she al- Going for it, just not always to his face. By making me
ways had a smile on her face and just that made through middle do something I was extremely uncomfortable
it such a positive environment to be in. Mrs. school, I stayed doing, he grew my confidence in myself and my
Schumacher has a real passion for history, and I out for band skill.
think that’s why her class was always fun to be because my dad He has also provided me a person I feel
made me, and I comfortable telling anything. I never thought I
loved the high would have a good enough relationship with a
because she re- school band teacher to go to them when I was having issues
ally loved it and teacher. When or just needed someone to complain to, but
she showed her he announced he Mr. Borseth has given me that. He has a piece
students how in- was leaving after of good advice for
teresting it really freshman year, I most situations, and
was. She put a was scared of who when he doesn’t, he
lot of enthusiasm would get the job. Knowing my luck, they’d be simply listens. This
into each topic some insane dictator who never had fun. Luck- may not seem like
that we were ily, we got the next level down. much, but as a teen-
learning and that Mr. Borseth is one of the most passionate, ager, you sometimes
is why I can still caring, and enthusiastic people I know, even at feel as though no
remember most 7:30am. He has helped me grow in my musical one listens and hav-
of the things we skill and as a person. He has given me confi- ing someone that I
discussed in class. dence to do uncomfortable things. Up until my know does is such a
It is because of senior year, no amount of money could make great gift.
her personality that she was such a great teacher me stand up and play an improvised solo. I Though we do
and mentor. thought I sucked and didn’t want to face the hu- not always see eye to eye, Mr. Borseth is easily
Even though Mrs. Schumacher is now miliation when I ultimately failed. Now I have one of the most influential people in my life.
retired, her teaching style can’t be replaced. The the confidence to do so because of Mr. Borseth. He’s given me confidence to do things I may
lessons she taught have gone further than the He assigned me one and wouldn’t let me back not always be comfortable doing and has been
classroom and can be applied to daily life. She out no matter how much I pleaded. I may have someone who listens to me when no one else
has been a role model to many students over her disliked him at the time, but now I thank him will. For that, I thank him.
years of being a teacher, and I am happy to say
that I was one of them.
perspective on the choice that was in front of Math has always though very professional, is primarily considered
me and to realize that there wasn’t necessarily a been my favor- a charismatic, entertaining math teacher. As my
right answer, just one that best fit my needs. ite subject in math knowledge grew so did our friendship.
Beyond the classroom, I had the pleasure of school. Add in Mr. Thein always has a few jokes, a detailed re-
being coached by Mr. Lester throughout more to the equation count of the previous night’s dinner menu or an
than five seasons. As a coach, Mr. Lester taught Mr. Doug Thein, updated countdown until his birthday. Though
me how to wrestle and play aggressively and he an outstand- the jokes do not improve our math skills, the
ing teacher and relationship formed creates a learning environ-
was always willing person, and the ment in which we feel comfortable asking for
to take some of outcome is a
his own time to series of classes I help. Before, after
help me get better. thoroughly enjoy and during school
Coach taught me and a field I plan his door remains
how to put in the to pursue in col- open for students
work to reach my lege. Mr. Thein to receive assistance
goals. He always easily stands out among many fantastic mentors. on assignments or
wanted to see kids For the past three years, I have been fortu- in preparation for
not only put in nate to be in Mr. Thein’s classroom where he the next exam. Most
their time, but get creates a great learning environment. When importantly, Mr.
the most out of my classmates and I first entered his room as Thein’s goal is for
it. Mr. Lester was sophomores, we quickly learned to respect our all of his students
never a big fan of “going through the motions” intelligent instructor. After spending three years to learn and be
or “hanging around”, and he would let us know in his class, I can hardly recall a problem that prepared for future
when we were guilty of either. has stumped “the in” teacher. His organization math classes.
Mr. Mike Lester has been a very important and teaching style make difficult concepts easy Mr. Thein has taught me so much. I am
figure in both my high school academic and to understand, and his class runs in a scheduled inspired by his drive and professionalism.
athletic careers. I’d like to thank him for help- manner with no surprises. All tests or “celebra- Through these math classes, I have discovered
ing me develop confidence in my decisions as tions of knowledge” come with plenty of prepa- how a difficult course can be both fun and pro-
a student and athlete. I’d also like to thank his ration for my classmates and me to succeed. ductive. Mr. Thein’s skill teaching and creating
family for the time that he spends away from Through the halls of CLHS, Mr. Thein, great relationships with his students makes me
them which allows him to be a mentor. grateful to call this instructor my mentor.
Congratulations!
to the Clear Lake students
who were selected for
Academic Excellence.
You All Have A
Reason To Smile!
Dr. Judith G. Demro, DDS, MS Be Proud of this Achievement.
We are proud of you!
We Build Beautiful Smiles!
Congratulations on being recognized
655 S. Illinois Ave. • Mason City • (641) 424-3375 for your academic success.
Satellite O ces in Clear Lake, Forest City, Hampton & Cresco 12 N. 4th Street, Clear Lake
(641) 357-2131 • www.clreporter.com
C atulati s Graduates
We recognize your hard
work and achievements
815 4th Avenue South, Clear Lake
641-357-6117